South Isles to benefit from additional passenger ferry sailings from Stromness

The South Isles are to benefit from an additional passenger ferry service over the summer months from Stromness to meet increased demand. 

Successful berthing trials with the Nordic Sea were completed on June 15 and the ferry will begin running a daily summer timetable between Stromness, Flotta and Lyness from Monday 8 July through to 29 September 2024. 

It is hoped the new service will alleviate some of the pressure on the Hoy Head passenger volumes throughout the summer season and provide additional connectivity to the Lyness Museum, which has seen high footfall over the summer period. 

Orkney Ferries and the Transportation Service have liaised with the South Isles Community Councils and Elected Members regarding the draft timetable to be trialled this summer. Feedback was received and incorporated where possible. 

Although we do not have dedicated buses to meet the arrival and departure of the internal ferries in Stromness, the Service X1, operated on a commercial basis, provides hourly connections to Kirkwall, and is timetabled to operate on a half hourly basis at peak times over the summer period, therefore providing a sustainable transport connection for onwards travel. 

Service Manager (Ferry Operations), Eddie Barclay, said: “We are delighted to be able to enhance the connectivity to the South Isles throughout the summer months. 

“Whilst we may not be able to meet everyone’s requirements, we hope the additional sailings will be viewed as a positive enhancement through the busy summer period. 

“It’s important to note that the Nordic Sea is our relief vessel and as such if the boat is required to cover elsewhere due to a breakdown, we would have to redeploy her onto the affected route.” 

The Nordic Sea can carry up to 47 passengers and if a success this year, it is hoped in future years to run the service from May through to September. 

Chair of the Board of Orkney Ferries, Councillor Mellissa Thomson, said: “Hopefully this enhancement will go a long way to improving the passenger experience, supporting our local communities and bolster our lifeline ferry services. 

“The discussions with Orkney Ferries on the timetables have been welcomed and I recognise that not everyone’s wishlist may be able to be met, however, this is a great addition to the South Isles.”