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Peace has broken out between the Orkney and Shetland councils after a special meeting of the SIC unanimously rejected a proposal that they contribute towards the hire of a replacement vessel during 3 weeks of the forthcoming 9 week refit period for Northlink's fleet of Northern Isles ferries. This has been warmly greeted by OIC convener Stephen Hagan.

The proposal would have seen the SIC pay 10% of the £250,000 that it would cost the Scottish government to charter the aged CalMac ferry Hebridean Isles to run the Pentland Firth route while the Hamnavoe is away on refit - instead of one of the two larger Shetland ferries deputising.

This suggestion had attracted fire from the OIC and Orkney MSP Liam MacArthur, both parties branding it as 'completely unacceptable'.

The SIC seemingly being encouraged to bribe the Scottish Government to diminish Orkney's ferry service caused blood to boil the fastest - but  SIC councillors were at pains to stress after a meeting between only the SIC and transport minister Keith Brown that there was no intention to go behind Orkney's back.

A telephone conference between leaders of both councils on Monday went some way to clearing the air, with a joint statement being issued.

The statement called upon the Scottish Government to accept full responsibility for chartering an adequate replacement vessel to cover the whole refit period for the fleet, and slated the suggestion that the local authorities should contribute to the costs of the lifeline service from their budgets.

In response to the SIC decision today Councillor Stephen Hagan said: “I welcome this decision by Shetland Islands Council.

“In discussion with senior Councillors from Shetland earlier this week, we agreed that responsibility lies with the Scottish Government – to provide a stand-in ferry suited to the needs of both communities and to pay for its charter.

“For Orkney, that means a vessel that can operate a reliable service on the Pentland Firth in the adverse weather conditions we can expect during the refit period for the Hamnavoe."

The final part of his response suggested a welcome warming in the two councils' relationship:

“Now we look forward to discussing this important issue with the Transport Minister – in partnership with our colleagues from Shetland.

“With the refit period due to start soon, these discussions need to take place as a matter of urgency.”