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PENTLAND FIRTH SERVICE - SUNDAY 6 APRIL  26 March 03
NorthLink�s Pentland Firth service will be suspended on Sunday, April 6, to allow essential work to be carried out on the existing pier at Scrabster that will facilitate the use of NorthLink vessel, MV Hamnavoe, on the Scrabster - Stromness route.

Sunday�s cancellations will allow contractors to install an adjustable platform at the seaward end of the existing linkspan that will ensure the safe loading and discharging of Hamnavoe when she comes into service towards the end of April.

Gareth Crichton, Northlink�s commercial director, said: �We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these essential alterations to the pier at Scrabster. People will be well aware that we are very keen to bring Hamnavoe onto the Pentland Firth route, for which she was specifically designed, as soon as possible. Having looked ahead at scheduled bookings on this route, we concluded that the cancellation of next Sunday�s sailings would minimise the disruption caused to our customers.�

The proposed schedule for next weekend�s sailings is as follows:
Saturday, April 5
Sailings as per published Hebridean Isles timetable, with the last departure from Scrabster at 18.00hrs.

Sunday, April 6
All sailings cancelled

Monday, April 7
Hebridean Isles to depart Stromness at 03.30hrs to be on berth in Scrabster for the published 05.30hrs sailing. All subsequent arrivals and departures as per published timetables.

NorthLink will be contacting pre-booked passengers and vehicle owners affected by the outlined changes and will endeavour to make alternative arrangements where possible. Should anybody require further details or clarification on the information above, please do not hesitate to ring the NorthLink information line on 0845 6000 449 where staff will be happy to assist in any way they can.