Orkney’s bus timetables will see some changes from Monday 7 April, including a number of improvements to services.

Orkney’s bus timetables will see some changes from Monday 7 April, including a number of improvements to services.

The enhancements will operate from April to October, providing increased frequency on the Service X1 and Service 8S networks. The timetables have been enhanced on a commercial basis by operator Stagecoach following increases in passenger numbers, particularly over the summer months.

Consistent with Summer 2024, the X1 has been enhanced from an hourly to half hourly service at peak times, calling past Skara Brae Visitor Centre on an hourly basis.  Please be aware that the hourly services calling past the historic sites can be at capacity at peak times.   These have been highlighted in the bus guide to differentiate from the hourly backbone service to Stromness.  On Sundays, the majority of services will operate past the historic sites.   

A new, updated Orkney Public Bus Guide reflecting timetable changes will be available from the Stromness and Kirkwall Travel Centres, Visit Scotland, Kirkwall Library and Archive, Orkney Ferries office, Kirkwall Airport and the Council Offices. Please be aware that the timetable information on shelters and poles across the Mainland will be replaced in coming weeks. Timetable information is also available on the council website by visiting www.orkney.gov.uk/bus.

Laura Cromarty is Service Manager for Transportation, Orkney Islands Council:

“We’d like to thank everyone who provides feedback on public bus services, helping to bring about improvements to services where possible.

“A huge thank you goes to Stagecoach for providing the additional services which will operate from April to October on a commercial basis, in response to community feedback.

“Please be aware that due to the Traffic Commissioner timeframe to amend services, changes for the summer period are considered during the winter period, with revised timetables submitted by January.  Please bear in mind this timeframe when submitting any specific requests, noting that any enhancements will also be subject to budget availability.

“We are also very proud to introduce the new ‘Orkney Community Connect’ services with effect from 24 March.  The Service 4D to Kirkwall Airport will operate on a trial basis during 2025/26 which will fill the existing timetable gap in the afternoon during term time.  The Service 988 will operate on Friday and Saturday on an on-demand basis in South Ronaldsay, providing connections to St Margaret’s Hope and to meet with existing scheduled bus services via the Service X1.”

In addition to the new Service 4D Kirkwall Airport and Service 988 to South Ronaldsay, Orkney Community Connect services have also been established in Stronsay, Hoy & Walls, Rousay, Papa Westray (boat) and North Ronaldsay through the Council’s Community Transport Grant Scheme during 2025/26, with match funding through the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund.

For up to the minute information, download the Stagecoach Bus App to track your bus.

Here are some of the changes and improvements to be aware of – check the new timetables for full details.

Service X1 (Stromness – Kirkwall – St Margarets Hope):

• There are some small adjustments to the timings – check the new timetable carefully.

• An hourly service taking in historic sites will operate from Stromness to Skara Brae via the Brodgar Road (returning to Stromness).

• Buses will not drop off at the Brodgar Road end for safety reasons.

Service 2 (Houton):

• There are some small adjustments to some timings to provide improved connectivity to the Houton ferry.

Service 3 (Deerness - Tankerness):

• There are some small adjustments to some timings – check the new timetable carefully.

• An additional Monday to Saturday 1010 service from Kirkwall Travel Centre.  This service will operate on a trial basis Monday to Saturday from 7 April to 26 October inclusive. (Outwith this period, the service will revert to winter timings.

Service 4 (Kirkwall Airport):

• Monday to Friday and Sunday last flight re-timed to provide improved connectivity to flights.

Service 5 (Stromness - Houton):

• Minor changes to introduce summer timings.

Service 8S (Skara Brae / Quoyloo):

• The number of days per week this service runs over the summer period is increasing from three to six. The service will operate Monday to Saturday from 7 April to 25 October inclusive. (Outwith this period, the service will revert to three days, Monday, Thursday and Saturday).

• Travelling throughout the west mainland, this service is great for visitors and locals, running: Kirkwall – Brodgar – Stenness – Dounby – Twatt – Quoyloo – Skara Brae – Stromness (and return)

Orkney Community Connect (add logo)

NEW - Service 4D (Kirkwall Airport):                                                                                                                     

• New accessible service 4D operated under service name ‘Orkney Community Connect’.  The Kirkwall Airport Service 4D will operate using a 7-seat plus wheelchair accessible vehicle between the Kirkwall Travel Centre, Balfour Hospital and Kirkwall Airport on a Monday to Thursday afternoon during term time, thereby filling the existing timetable ‘gap’ that currently exists on the Service 4 Airport Bus. 

The Service will depart Kirkwall Travel Centre at 1515 and 1545 and will then depart from Kirkwall Airport at 1530 and 1600. The service will be operated on a trial basis during 2025/26 initially with funding from Scottish Government, match funded through the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund, established through bus passenger fare income. Booking is advisable due to limited capacity however is not essential as this is a timetabled service.  To make a booking please Call/Text/WhatsApp 07438 268 883.  Alternatively, contact Dial a Bus on 01856 870340 or 871515 for assistance.

NEW - Service 988 (South Ronaldsay):

Friday and Saturday on-demand service

New accessible 988 service operated under the service name ‘Orkney Community Connect’.  The on-demand service will be operated using a 7-seat plus wheelchair accessible vehicle in and around South Ronaldsay on Fridays and Saturdays between 0740hrs and 1830hrs on a trial basis with effect from Friday 28 March.  This service has been established though external grant funding which has been match funded through the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund, established through bus passenger fare income.  

The 988 service has been established following feedback from the community to provide bus services in the South Ronaldsay area, where there are currently no services in operation. The trial will provide connectivity to St Margaret’s Hope for key services and will also connect with the X1 bus service for onwards travel to Kirkwall or Stromness.  National Entitlement and Young Scot Card holders can travel free of charge on the service.  Booking for the Service 988 must be made in advance by Call/Text/WhatsApp 07438 268 883.  Alternatively, contact Dial a Bus on 01856 870340 or 871515 for assistance.

Note:

During the Island Games, taking place from 12^th to 18^th July 2025, there will be some changes to bus services.  Additional services will be running to support participants and spectators travelling to events, while some existing routes will be altered, and in some cases suspended for period, to accommodate necessary road closures.  Full details will be available on the Island Games website Orkney2025.com and changes to bus services will be detailed at www.orkney.gov.uk.