Outer islands association seeks permanent ferry route

The Outer Islands Association of the Faroes has applied for a permanent ferry licence to allow a full-time operator to be hired, the group’s outgoing chair Marius á Geilini said at its annual general meeting in Hestur on Saturday.

State support is available, but the association must first submit a business plan and await approval, a process expected to take months. A permanent licence would stabilise operations and enable the hiring of a paid coordinator.

Under revised statutes, the association can now employ a coordinator to represent the outer islands in dealings with authorities, act as a spokesperson, and seek funding for cultural, employment, and agricultural projects, including innovation in farming, culture, or new tourism opportunities.

The association’s goal is to improve conditions for residents of the outer islands and plans to organise various recreational activities in the coming period.