Winds and heavy seas will delay ferries

High winds and heavy seas are continuing to disrupt travel between Shetland and Aberdeen.

Although the north-bound ferry Hrossey arrived on time in Lerwick this morning the south-bound Hjaltland was late in arriving on the mainland, finally berthing in Aberdeen at 10.45am.

Serco NorthLink said there would be delays again tonight, with the Hjaltland not expected to leave Aberdeen until around midnight. However, passengers would have to check in as if the boat was leaving at the normal 7pm.

Forecasted winds in Aberdeen and sea heights in the “Fair Isle gap” were the problem, the ferry company said.

The southbound sailing of the Hrossey, scheduled for 5.30pm, was expected to go ahead as normal, although due to the adverse weather conditions there was a possibility of a late arrival into Kirkwall and Aberdeen.

Both freight ships would stay in port tonight, Serco NorthLink revealed in an earlier statement.