There’s a chance, this week, starting today, 29th April, to share your views on the future of ferries and how they connect up with other transport links.
The Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP) will replace the current Ferries Plan. It takes a much wider look at transport: including ferries, aviation, fixed links and, especially, the challenges facing the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services and Northern Isles Ferry Services.
Transport Scotland has in-person events in Orkney:
- Stromness – 29 April at The Warehouse Buildings
- North Ronaldsay – 30 April at the Community Centre
- Eday – 1 May at the Heritage Centre
- Kirkwall – 2 May at the Picky Centre
Drop in sessions are from 17:00 to 18:00 (no booking required), with workshops from 18:00 to 19:30. You can register for the workshops by clicking here.
This is a long-term plan, to 2045, for the vessel and port investment considered necessary to address the key challenges of reliability and resilience.
The consultation itself closes on 6th May. You can find out more information about the consultation and share your views by clicking on this link: Islands Connectivity Plan: Strategic Approach and Vessels and Ports Plan
Structured Workshop (1 hour and 30 minutes)
The workshop will feature small group discussions, each led by a facilitator from Transport Scotland. Participants will engage in three rounds of discussions, exploring key themes related to the Islands Connectivity Plan Strategic Approach and Vessels and Ports Plan. The themes are:
- Community voice and transparency
- Accessibility of ferries for people with disabilities or other impairments to travel
- Integration of ferries with onward and connecting travel
Date Time Location Booking details
Monday 29 April 6pm to 7:30pm Stromness, Warehouse Buildings, 2-12 Victoria Street Book event in Stromness
Tuesday 30 April 6pm to 7:30pm North Ronaldsay, Community Centre Book event in North Ronaldsay
Wednesday 1 May 6pm to 7:30pm Eday, Heritage Centre Book event in Eday
Thursday 2 May 6pm to 7:30pm Kirkwall, The Pickaquoy Centre, Muddisdale Road Book event in Kirkwall
Drop-in Session No Booking Required
A drop-in session, providing an informal setting for community members to share their feedback and contributions on the Islands Connectivity Plan and the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract from 5 to 6pm, locations as above.
