Back in July 2025 islanders in Orkney and Shetland had the opportunity to share their views on what they would like to see from the Northern Isles Ferry service. The results of the consultation by Transport Scotland have now been published.

Lack of capacity was the top issue with islanders having to book well in advance in order to travel – a main concern was being unable to book a cabin for overnight journeys.

There were 1,129 responses to the online consultation with 98% (1,107 ) of them from individual members of the public. Only 2% of responses came from organisations. There were also in person events held in Lerwick (Shetland), Kirkwall (Orkney) and Stromness (Orkney). 104 people took part in those.

The Overnight Pods were given a big thumbs down –

 Specific issues raised included that pods are uncomfortable, particularly for taller passengers, that there is very limited space between pods, and that there is a lack of privacy. 

The cost of reserving a cabin was the reason islanders were having to choose Pods, reclining seats, or the floor.

There was a mixed reaction to implementing Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) on the Northern Isles Routes. Not surprisingly  84% of Orkney residents agreed with RET fares, but only 52% of Shetland residents were in favour. This is because RET is based on distance and would work for Orkney.

This view was apparently linked to an expectation that application of the RET formula would reduce fares to Orkney…

 A view that RET fares might be more expensive, particularly for Shetland, was the main reason for not supporting their introduction.

Orkney and Shetland islanders also had a difference of opinion when it came to ranking their top priorities for a Northern Isles Ferry Service.

Orkney: 1. Reliability, 2. On board facilities, 3. Punctuality of the Service

Shetland: 1. On board facilities, 2. Reliability, 3. Easier booking system

There was also a consultation of the Northern Isles Freight service which was responded to by organisations. The importance of the freight service ‘carrying vital supplies’ to the islands was stressed.

There was strong support for the introduction of additional freight and passenger capacity when the two Freight Flex vessels come into service in 2029. 

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity in the Scottish Government Jim Fairlie said:

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage with this public consultation. The Northern Isles Ferry Services play a vital role in our transport network, so it is great to have received so many responses from those who rely on these lifeline links.

“The Scottish Government fully recognises the importance of these ferry services not only for local communities, but also for the wider economic, cultural and social well-being of our islands. This report will help identify and drive service improvements for the next contract to ensure that it continues to deliver for islanders.

“I am pleased that we are already taking action to remove mid and peak season ferry fares for residents of Orkney and Shetland – one of the asks we heard from islands stakeholders through this consultation.

“Alongside continued funding for procurement of two replacement freight flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles, this feedback will help ensure these ferry services remain reliable and resilient for the communities they serve.”

Click on this link for, Summary of responses to the public consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4) – Thematic summary

Click on this link for, Analysis of responses to a public consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services Contract (NIFS4) – Analysis report

The recorded responses have been published and are available to view on Citizen Space.

Below is the content of a letter from Chris Wilcock, Transport Scotland Director of Ferries & Ports, announcing the completion of the Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4) public consultation process.

NORTHERN ISLES FERRY SERVICES (NIFS4) CONTRACT 

As you will be aware, the public consultation on the Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4)  concluded on 20 October 2025. All responses have now been analysed, and both the full report and thematic summary are now available to view on the Transport Scotland website at: Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 | Public consultation | Transport Scotland.  

The NIFS4 consultation process has provided extensive and constructive feedback across a  wide range of topics, including capacity and short-notice travel, onboard accommodation, the cost of travel, and service reliability.  

Launched on 22 July 2025 and extended to 20 October 2025; to allow for further  participation, the consultation received over 1,100 responses. In addition to the formal online  consultation, community drop-in sessions were also held in Kirkwall and Stromness (Orkney)  as well as Lerwick (Shetland) to gather local views on the future contract. 

All consultation feedback is now being carefully considered as part of the NIFS4 contract  development process. Decisions on the detailed requirements of the contract will be  informed by the consultation findings, operational feasibility, wider transport policy  objectives, and affordability. Further updates and next steps will be published on the  Transport Scotland website and in engagement with regular forums and key stakeholders in  due course as the procurement work progresses. 

We would like to express our sincere thanks for your active participation, promotion of the  consultation and valuable contributions to this process. Your input is playing and important  role in shaping the future of the Northern Isles Ferry Services. 

If you have any questions or comments about the consultation exercise, please send them  directly to FerriesNIFS4Team@transport.gov.scot. 

Scottish Ministers, special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot

 St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG http://www.gov.scot

Thank you once again for your continued support and engagement. 

Yours sincerely, 

Chris Wilcock 

Transport Scotland, Director of Ferries and Ports