19 October 2012 Last updated at 04:26 ET

Serco Northlink Ferries to cut up to 36 jobs

The operator of the Northern Isles ferry service plans to cut up to 36 jobs, it has been announced.

Serco Northlink Ferries, which took over the passenger and freight routes between Aberdeen, Shetland and Orkney in the summer, said it had already begun talks with staff and unions.

It hopes to achieve the cuts without the need for compulsory redundancies.

Serco was confirmed as operator of the service following a hearing at the Court of Session earlier this year.

Ferry fares are to rise by 2.8% next year, it announced earlier this week.

The number of sailings across the Pentland Firth are also to be cut.

During the off peak season there will be two instead of three return sailings a day between Orkney and Scrabster.