YEAR-ROUND low season fares, more cabins and more jobs – these are some of the things Shetlanders want for locals, according to responses to a Northern Isles ferry consultation. Officials from the transport agency are in Shetland to speak to people face-to-face as it looks to shape the future of the ferry service. It comes at a time when both NorthLink and Transport Scotland have come in for strong criticism, particularly surrounding fare hikes announced in recent weeks. Transport Scotland said it was pleased with the response to the in-person events in both Shetland this week, and Orkney last week. The next ferry contract, which is due to run from 2028 to 2036, is likely to see the biggest period of upheaval in the ferry service for decades.