Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 27 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to the operator of the Northern Isles Ferry Service to ensure sufficient freight capacity during the autumn 2026 livestock sales season.
The responsibility and expertise for operational decisions rightly, sits with Serco NorthLink Ferries (SNF). As has been the case in previous years, SNF will forecast requirements in advance of the autumn livestock sales season based on feedback and engagement with relevant industry stakeholders.
The Scottish Government will take advice from SNF on how they intend to manage capacity and we remain committed to ensuring services are run effectively through the busy livestock season.