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Seòmar agus comataidhean

Golden Mariana Retired from Service

  • Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats.
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 September 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-10474

That the Parliament recognises that the Golden Mariana is being "retired", after around 50 years of service; notes that the Golden Mariana, which currently serves the Westray to Papay route, is the oldest ferry in Orkney Ferries’ fleet, and one of the oldest ferries operating in Scotland; understands that, after a review of the vessel, it was discovered that extensive repairs would be required to maintain her in service; further understands that, at around £250,000, the estimated cost of those repairs left Orkney Ferries with no other option but to "retire" the vessel; highlights that Orkney Ferries has stated that its other vessels are "not far behind" the Golden Mariana in terms of age, and understands that repair costs for the internal Orkney fleet are rising year on year; believes that the age of the fleet operating on Orkney’s lifeline routes poses a significant risk to the connectivity of the isles and the resilience of those communities, and urges the Scottish Government to agree a way forward with Orkney Islands Council on what it sees as the overdue replacement of these vessels.


Supported by: Alexander Burnett, Finlay Carson, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Douglas Lumsden, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney, Tess White