Pentland Ferries have suspended all sailings of MV Alfred up to and including Sunday 10 July.

A statement from the company says that this is to allow for a full investigation of damage sustained during the grounding of the ship earlier today. We are contacting all customers who have travel booked with us and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

MV Alfred, ran aground on Swona this afternoon.

Lifeboats from Longhope and Thurso attended and took the 85 passengers off, returning them to St Margaret’s Hope. The Alfred was also escorted back there.

Stromness RNLI were also standing ready if needed.