Boat will wait for Scotland match supporters

NORTHLINK Ferries will delay the northbound sailing from Aberdeen on Saturday 22nd November for islanders returning home after the Scotland v Canada rugby test match at Pittodrie Stadium.

The Scotland rugby side rarely plays home test matches away from Murrayfield, and Orkney and Shetland rugby clubs had asked NorthLink to push back departure time so that club members and islanders intending to make the trip could return home overnight.

NorthLink commercial director Cynthia Spencer said the company was a long-time sponsor of both rugby clubs.

“We were approached by the clubs who asked if we could delay departure from Aberdeen so as to allow fans to get from Pittodrie to the ferry terminal.

“The test match kicks-off at 2.45pm and is scheduled to end about 4.10pm. Aberdeen check-in for the Kirkwall-Lerwick service would normally close at 4.30pm, but we have extended check- in time to 5.30pm with a view to getting under way as soon as all passengers have checked in. Hopefully, that gives fans enough time to get across town and on board.”

Magnus Woods, nine, son of Shetland RFC junior coach Paul Woods, will be one of the mascots at the game, along with Sam Croy, son of Orkney RFC member Ian Croy.

Mr Woods said: “We aim to have about two dozen youngsters from our junior section on the trip. For some of them it will be the first time that they will have had the opportunity to see Scotland playing ‘live’ and hopefully it will be a great experience for them – with the right result.”