Bus timetables change for winter from Monday (28 October 2024)

Orkney’s bus timetables will see some changes from Monday 28 October 2024 as services return to a winter timetable. 
 
Routes affected by the changes are:  

• X1 : Stromness – Kirkwall – St Margaret’s Hope
• Services 3: Deerness-Tankerness 
• Service 5 Houton Ferry-Stromness 
• Service 7 Birsay-Dounby 
• Service 8S Quoyloo-Skara Brae 

A new, updated Orkney Public Bus Guide reflecting the winter timetable changes is now available from the Stromness and Kirkwall Travel Centres, Visit Scotland, Kirkwall Library and Archive, Orkney Ferries office, Kirkwall Airport and the Council Offices – and from on board buses.

Please be aware timetable information on shelters and poles across the Orkney Mainland Orkney will be replaced in advance of the changes.

The new timetables are also available on the Council website at www.orkney.gov.uk/bus . You can also contact transport@orkney.gov.uk for assistance.

Top tip: Bear in mind some services/ timing points only run during school holidays or on certain days of the week – be sure to check the notes on each page.

The changes from 28 October in more detail:

X1: Stromness – Kirkwall – St Margaret’s Hope

This commercially operated service returns to a similar timetable as last winter. However, a number of timing points have been adjusted, therefore passengers are advised to check the new timetable carefully. The  summer only enhanced service via Stromness and Skara Brae will cease over the winter period. 

Service 3: Deerness-Tankerness

Monday to Saturday, the 1725 departure from Kirkwall Travel Centre has been brought forward to 1720. 

Service 5: Houton Ferry-Stromness

Monday to Friday, the 1015 departure time from Houton Ferry Terminal has been brought forward  to 1005, for foot passengers to connect with the NorthLink Ferries peak season timetable from Stromness to Scrabster as requested. 

Service 7: Birsay-Dounby

Following feedback, the route will revert to operate via Sunnybank Road and Pickaquoy Road to and from Kirkwall Travel Centre, retaining connectivity to Balfour Hospital. 

Service 8S: Quoyloo-Skara Brae

Returns to a winter service operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays .  

Evening Buses

Service X10 – Late evening service Monday to Sunday - meets the late NorthLink Ferry at Hatston - travels back into Kirkwall, heading on to Stromness and returns to Kirkwall. 

The Friday and Saturday evening buses will continue to operate during the winter period. These are:  

• The late X1 service: Kirkwall – St Margaret’s Hope – Kirkwall – Stromness – Kirkwall 
• Service 3E: Tankerness-Deerness-East Holm
• Service 7E: Evie-Birsay-Dounby-Harray
• Service 9E St Ola-Orphir