Ally

A meeting is being planned after members of the RMT union at Orkney Ferries voted in favour of strike action over a pay dispute.

Staff voted by almost three to one in favour of the industrial action and unanimously in favour of action short of a strike.

The RMT said the dispute had arisen after council-owned Orkney Ferries offered 2.5% on rates of pay.

Orkney Ferries said it was hoped talks could resolve the situation.

Orkney Ferries operates sailings and tours between the Orkney mainland and 13 of the smaller islands.

Ian Macintyre, RMT regional organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: "Whilst we remain available for talks with the company it is clear that the offer from the employer is completely unacceptable to our members.

"An improved offer which meets our members' aspirations must be made otherwise industrial action will inevitably take place."

The RMT said any action could happen next week.

Nigel Mills, Orkney Islands Council director of harbours and operations director of Orkney Ferries, told BBC Scotland's news website that he hoped talks could be constructive.

He said: "We have been in contact with the RMT since the result of the ballot and are urgently seeking a mutually acceptable date to get round the table and see if we can find an acceptable solution.

"These services are extremely important to the sustainability of outer island communities.

"We are very keen on talking to the RMT and I am confident that sense will prevail."