Catamaran ferry arrival delayed

The vessel will replace an older ferry on a route across the Pentland Firth

A catamaran ferry for the Caithness to Orkney route, which was due to arrive in Scotland last month, is still at a ship yard in the Philippines.

The Pentalina vessel has had its departure delayed for the arrival of more equipment.

It was constructed at FBMA Marine's yard at Cebu in the Philippines, for Pentland Ferries.

The vessel is now expected to leave for Scotland early next month. It will take about 28 days to make the journey.

A spokesman for the ferry company said: "There have been two to three weeks of delay for various reasons. On the positive side it has completed sea trials successfully."

It will replace an older ferry on a route between Orkney and Caithness.

The Pentalina can carry 350 passengers, between 32 and 58 cars and nine lorries and make the crossing between St Margarets Hope, Orkney, and Gills Bay, Caithness, in 45 minutes.