Digital Ferry Voucher Scheme extended to 19-21 year olds

From 23 June 2025, the Scottish Government is extending the concessionary digital ferry voucher scheme to young islanders aged 19 to 21, helping them save money when travelling to and from the Scottish Mainland.

The concessionary scheme which was previously limited to 16-18 year olds, provides four single free ferry trips between Orkney and the Scottish mainland each year. The digital ferry vouchers are valid from 1 April to 31 March the following year for travel as a foot passenger or to help pay for a cabin.

In Orkney, digital vouchers  are stored on your National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot Card – which you might also know as your saltire card or bus pass.

Councillor Kristopher Leask chairs the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee: “There’s no doubt that the extension of the existing concessionary scheme will bring benefits for our young people and some parity when it comes to their travel costs and ability to access services and opportunities on the Scottish Mainland.

“We are delighted this is being introduced following our lobbying of Scottish Government and through working closely together.

“I’d urge all eligible young people between 19 and 21 to ensure they have a valid National Entitlement Card or Young Scot Card, so they can access the digital ferry voucher scheme.”

You can apply for a National Entitlement Card/Young Scot Card at getyournec.scot

Find out more about digital ferry vouchers and eligibility at www.transport.gov.scot/ferryvouchers