The Orcadian Features - Orkney Islands Council

Plain sailing on the whole in relationship between P&O and Orkney Islands Council
(From The Orcadian dated October 3, 2002)

Captain Bob Sclater – never any big problems with P&O.

A good working relationship developed between P&O and the council’s harbours department over the years, according to former harbours director, Captain Bob Sclater.

Hikes in freight charges – eventually brought into check by competition in the 1990s – led to frequent protests, but Captain Sclater said day-to-day proceedings with P&O were relatively problem free.

“As far as the harbours were concerned, we had a very good relationship with the management within the management staff in Orkney and the managing director Terry Cairns and, before him, Eric Turner.

“There were never any big problems as far as I can remember.”

Captain Sclater, who joined the harbours department in 1976 as a marine officer pilot, and was director from 1989 to 1998 said the latest St Ola brought benefits because of the extra runs across the Firth.

“We saw an increase in activity in Stromness,” he said. “She was doing extra runs and staying overnight in Scrabster through the week, whereas in previous times she stayed in Stromness. It all worked well and there were no big hiccups.”

Improvements to Stromness pier were made to cope with the new ferry and the facility was extended by 50 metres.

“The pier was not long enough for the St Ola or the St Sunniva for that matter. When the St Sunniva came in in 1987 the pier was so short she hung over the pier by about a third.”

In bad weather, Captain Sclater said an anchor and chain were used to hold the St Sunniva alongside.

“The extension to Stromness pier was a great milestone and helped the P&O ships.”

Other work was carried out at Stromness harbour to aid operations, said Captain Sclater, and the council, of course, also benefited from the extra business.

“That would have been our biggest revenue earner – P&O in Stromness. We did get revenues from Kirkwall pier, from Orcargo and Orkney Line, but the main income was from Stromness, and we managed to get grants to improve pier facilities. It was a good working relationship and I hope that the same thing happens with NorthLink.”

Councillor Hugh Halcro-Johnston – reliable service.

Relationships between Orkney and P&O have not always been smooth, though.

A five-day strike in 1977 by P&O officers left 300 cars marooned. The St Ola was tied up at Scrabster and the start of annual cattle exports was disrupted.

Then there were the increases in freight charges until ro-ro competition arrived in 1992 with Orcargo.

“Certainly in the early days it was thought that the charges for the artics was a bit high,” said Captain Sclater. “They were quoting £1,000 for a return trip. I know the hauliers were not happy.

“The only trouble we ever had with the linkspan was in ’76/’77 with one of the hydraulic rams and it was out of action for a couple of days. That was the only big problem that I remember causing any delay through any mechanical failure. So, all in all, it was a good service by the harbours from P&O.

“It was a good working relationship.”

OIC convener Councillor Hugh Halcro-Johnston commented: “P&O have provided a wonderful service to Orkney and Shetland over a very long period of time. I think the most notable thing about the P&O service is how reliable it has been.

“On the whole they have responded themselves to whatever problems presented and the one thing that I do not think anybody would deny is, it has been a reliable service. There have been very few days when the ships did not sail.”