Heading out this weekend? Check out the new evening bus service

The Council is reminding the Orkney public that evening bus services are now serving in the East Mainland, West Mainland and Kirkwall-Orphir areas on Friday and Saturday nights.

The services were introduced on 1 July following external grant funding received during 2022/23 financial year.

The Council’s Transportation Manager, Laura Cromarty, says the services – which are being piloted this financial year – need a good level of usage to help build a case for continuing the service.

“We secured Scottish Government funding to carry out this trial, after people told us they would really like to be able to access social and leisure activities in the evenings.

“The additional evening services are aimed at helping people socialise with friends and family and perhaps have a meal out or go to the cinema, as the timetables match with the Pickaquoy Centre closing times.

“It’s also a great way for younger people to travel independently to socialise in the evening and get a bus service back a bit closer to home. People travelling with a Young Scot card loaded with the travel component or those with a National Entitlement Card will also be able to travel free of charge when presenting their card.

“Now we’ve got these services in operation we’re really keen for folk to take full advantage of them. The continuation of these evening services will be subject to use and the continuation of external grant funding.”

Check the routes and times at www.orkney.gov.uk/bus to see how you can make a night out of it for yourself. Leaflets are also available from the Transportation Service or from Kirkwall Travel Centre.

More details in our previous press release.