Inter Island Ferry Timetables – Winter 2026/27

Inter Island Air and Ferry Timetables are considered 12 months in advance by communities via the Air and Ferry Forum, with draft timetables circulated to Community Councils for consultation.

The timetables are then considered by the Board of Orkney Ferries Ltd from an operational and budget perspective, before they are presented to the Development and Infrastructure Committee for approval. once approved, the timetables can be uploaded onto the booking system.

As a means to improve communication, from December 2025, the draft timetables are available for consideration and comment.

The draft timetables for Winter 2026/27 are consistent with that operated in previous years. This is because there are challenges in extending services further based on the existing crewing configuration, ageing fleet and budget availability.

There are therefore challenges in making changes to the existing timetables, particularly when improving a connection to one island generally means negatively impacting another community.

That said, it is important to consult with communities and have the ability to make small changes where it is operationally possible to do so.

Responses should be submitted to your local Community Council Clerk by Wednesday 14 January 2026.