NorthLink Ferries continues support of RSPB Scotland community programme

Wednesday 9th May 2018

NorthLink Ferries has gifted funds to nature organisation RSPB Scotland, helping to support the charity’s ongoing education programme in Orkney.

The donation of over £2,200, which was raised from last year’s nature cruise on board passenger vessel MV Hamnavoe, will help fund RSPB Scotland’s community outreach programme, which delivers outdoor education to young people across the islands.

Sarah Sankey, Orkney Manager for RSPB Scotland, commented: “We are extremely grateful for the donation from NorthLink Ferries. The funds are very important to the organisation and will allow us to deliver lessons which help young people enjoy and learn about the natural world that is right on their doorstep.”

“So far, schoolchildren from all over Orkney have learnt about white-tailed eagles, invasive non-native species, wildflowers and much more besides. The pupils of Hope Community School and Burray Primary School have also helped with a vital conservation project involving little terns. Furthermore, we have run events to join in with UK-wide projects such as the Big Schools Birdwatch and Big Wild Sleepout.”

James Linklater, Serco’s Customer Care Manager at NorthLink Ferries, added: “It’s great to see that we are making a difference to the local community as we continue to support RSPB Scotland in Orkney. Last year’s wildlife cruise on board MV Hamnavoe was a great success with passengers enjoying an exclusive chance to see some of the islands’ most fascinating wildlife whilst also helping us to raise funds for the RSPB Scotland’s education programme.

“With Scotland celebrating its Year of Young People in 2018 we’re very pleased to be helping children and young adults across the island to get outdoors, make the most of their amazing surroundings and learn about the fascinating animals and plants that they share their home with.”

NorthLink Ferries is set to host its next wildlife cruise on board MV Hamnavoe on Sunday 20 May. The passenger ferry will depart Stromness at 1pm before sailing around the island of Hoy and arriving back into Stromness at 4pm. Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for concessions and children. Until then, visitors travelling on board any of NorthLink Ferries’ passenger sailings can enjoy family wildlife packs complete with pop-up binoculars and a poster guide, helping them to spot wildlife as they travel between the Scottish mainland and Northern Isles.