Orkney Islands Council has published a notice on the Public Contracts Scotland site:

“for the operation of a passenger ferry service between Pierowall (Westray) and Mocklett Pier (Papa Westray). Capacity should not be less than 40 passengers.”

Now you might be wondering why?

It was over a year ago that the OIC purchased The Nordic Sea to replace the Golden Mariana to serve the Westray – Papa Westray route.

The vessel is estimated to have cost  £1,535,000 with half of that reportedly being met by the Scottish Government via Transport Scotland.

Then you might be asking – well where is the Nordic Sea now and why is it not in service?

Indeed given the big fanfare made about its purchase hailing it as more modern and environmentally friendly than the Golden Mariana you might be asking – was this money well spent?

Is this another rocks from a quarry in Oban case? or recycling bin fiasco?

These are good questions which The Orkney News will try to get answers to.

In the meantime it appears that this notice on the Public Contracts Scotland site is seeking someone to operate a passenger only ferry between Pierowall (Westray) and Mocklett Pier (Papa Westray).

Capacity should not be less than 40 passengers.

Service will likely commence on 1 July 2021.

The service may be operated using own vessel or a vessel provided by Orkney Islands Council (Orkney Ferries) under a Voyage Charter arrangement.

The timetable for the service will be set by Orkney Islands Council and currently consists of 6 runs on a Mon, Tue & Wed, 5 on a Thur, 4 on a Friday & Saturday and 3 on a Sunday.

So what has happened to The Nordic Sea (seemingly now at Buckie) and what is it going to be used for and when?

Reporter: Fiona Grahame