In an answer to a question from SNP MSP Maureen Watt, Paul Wheelhouse, minister for the Islands and Transport confirmed that Serco had been awarded the contract for the Northern Isles ferries.

Paul Wheelhouse stated:

The contract for the Northern Isles Ferry Services was awarded to Serco Limited on 22 April 2020. The contract will run from 30 June 2020 until 30 June 2026, with the option of a further two years dependent on the successful outcome of a financial base-case review.

Following commencement of the contract, a non-commercially sensitive copy will be published on Transport Scotland’s website