News
Orkney public bus services move to winter timetable on 26 October
12 October 2026
Orkney's public bus timetables will change from Monday 26 October 2026 as services return to the winter timetable.
Passengers travelling to Balfour Hospital should note that some bus routes, including the X1 and Service 7, no longer pick up and drop off in the hospital car park. Buses will now use the shelters on New Scapa Road instead. The change will help to minimise instances of buses being obstructed within the car park, which can lead to delays.
The new Orkney Public Bus Guide for Winter 2026-27 will be available from Monday 19 October from Kirkwall Travel Centre, Kirkwall Library and Archive, Orkney Ferries offices, Kirkwall Airport, Stromness Terminal Building, Council Offices (Kirkwall and Stromness Warehouse Building) and on board buses.
Digital copies of the new timetables and Orkney Public Bus Guide are available nowon the Council website at www.orkney.gov.uk/bus. Please check your route before the start of the new timetables.
Routes affected
The following routes will see changes from Monday 26 October:
X1: Stromness - Kirkwall - St Margaret's Hope
This commercially operated service returns to a similar timetable as last winter. However, some timing points have been adjusted and passengers are advised to check the new timetable carefully.
The summer enhanced service via Stromness and Skara Brae will cease over the winter period.
This route no longer operates via Balfour Hospital car park. Buses will use the shelters on New Scapa Road instead.
Service 2: Houton Ferry
Minor timing point adjustments have been made to improve connections where possible. Please check the timetable.
Service 3: Deerness-Tankerness
The additional Monday to Saturday 10:10am journey from Kirkwall Travel Centre, trialled over the last two summer periods, has been positive and will be extended to an all-year service.
Service 6: Tingwall Ferry
Minor timing point adjustments have been made to improve connections where possible. Please check the timetable.
Service 7: Birsay-Dounby
Minor timing point adjustments have been made along the route. Please check the timetable.
This route no longer operates via Balfour Hospital car park. Buses will use the shelters on New Scapa Road instead.
Service 8S: Quoyloo-Skara Brae
Returns to a winter service operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays only. Minor timing point adjustments have been made along the route.
Service 9: Kirkwall Town Service
Minor timing point adjustments have been made along the route on Sundays.
Service X10: Hatston Ferry Link
To give passengers arriving by ferry more time to make their bus connection, the departure time from Hatston has been amended.
Passengers are reminded that some services and timing points only run during school holidays or on certain days of the week. Please check the colour codes and notes on the timetables carefully.
Timetable information on shelters and poles across the Orkney Mainland will be replaced in the coming weeks. Until then, passengers should refer to the Guide or visit www.orkney.gov.uk/bus.
For further information or assistance, contact transport@orkney.gov.uk.