Gavin Morgan

1 April, 2008

LERWICK community council has received a written assurance from ferry operator NorthLink that their new photo ID scheme will be “flexible” when it comes into service.

The company will be insisting on photo identification for anyone aged over 16 purchasing tickets from 1 May in a bid to tighten up security.

Community councillors had been concerned that people travelling to Shetland could be stranded in Aberdeen if they were unaware that photo ID was needed to board.

They thought that while most people from Shetland or Orkney would be aware of the new measures, visitors to the isles might be caught out.

However the community council have received written notification from NorthLink saying “there will be some degree of flexibility”.

Chairman Jim Anderson said: “If someone turns up without photo ID they will be allowed to travel as long as the staff on the desk are comfortable that the person is who they claim to be."

Orkney councillor Steven Heddle, who opposes the scheme, recently set up an on line poll to gauge people's reaction. He says that 65 per cent of more than 1,100 people who have responded are against it.

Mr Anderson said: "NorthLink have taken this stance and there is no way they are going to back down. They say there will be a requirement for photographic ID, but they are willing to take a pro active approach.

“They are not going to discriminate against somebody who for certain reasons does not have it, as long as they can demonstrate who they are.”