NORTHWARDS GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR ORKNEY CUSTOMERS

Northwards – the freight and haulage operator serving Orkney and Shetland and the North of Scotland – has today (Thursday 18 January) successfully delivered essential supplies to customers in Orkney, including to Tesco’s Kirkwall store. The store had closed because of its lack of goods, but a special Northwards convoy fought the difficult weather conditions and the delivery has enabled Tesco to restock its empty shelves.

The road conditions across the isles meant that the trailers, transported north from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope by Pentland Ferries, could not be moved until the roads were clear.

The Northwards convoy was able to get through when the Kirkwall to St Margaret’s Hope road was cleared by Orkney Islands Council’s Roads Department. The Northwards team then used their own loadall to clear the way from the village to the pier.

Manager of Tesco’s Kirkwall store, Matthew Johnstone, said: “We are really grateful to Northwards, who have gone above and beyond on our behalf.

“With shelves almost empty, the store was forced to close, so our thanks go to Northwards, who have succeeded in getting goods here for our customers and allowed us to reopen.

Manager of Northwards depot, Chris Craigie, said: “Conditions across the islands have been particularly challenging this week and it has been impossible in some circumstances to keep deliveries moving. It is very important, in times like this, that everyone pulls together to meet the needs of our community and we were delighted that our intrepid drivers were able to play their part.”