Major disruption for travellers to and from North Isles after ferry ramp fails

The disruption on the Yell ferry route between Toft and Ulsta caused by the failure of the ramp at Toft is likely to continue into the “early part” of next week, according to ferry chiefs.

A crane is due to be at the scene at lunchtime tomorrow to lift the shore end of the linkspan off the rocks so that engineers can assess the potential damage sustained when it fell off its hinge. The hinge will be repaired so that there is something to lift the linkspan onto.

Meanwhile the shuttle service by four of the council’s smaller ferries between Vidlin and Ulsta will continue over the weekend and on Monday.

The Fivla, the Geira, the Hendra and the Thora are operating the service, which is not bookable but is giving priority to perishable loads and people with hospital appointments. The ferries can take around 12 to 16 cars each.

The Thora is going to Toft in the mornings and evenings to offer a foot passenger service. Some commuters have left their cars at Toft.

The Yell superferry Dagalien is tied up in Ulsta, but may do a run to Lerwick today for commercial vehicles only.

The problem started on Wednesday evening when the ferry Fivla, standing in for the other superferry Daggri which is in Lerwick for a re-fit, was trapped beneath the linkspan.

She was eventually freed and was able to continue her run, but passengers’ vehicles ended up in Yell.

Information about sailings is available on the ferries’ voicebank on (01595) 743 972.