Funding for the first phase of Orkney’s long awaited Ferry Replacement Programme has been secured, following confirmation within the Scottish Budget announced at Holyrood on Tuesday.
Orkney Islands Council leader Councillor Heather Woodbridge welcomed the budget detail, which confirms that Phase 1 of the programme can now move ahead after months of sustained engagement with the Scottish Government.
Phase 1 will deliver three new 60 metre ferries to serve the islands of Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray, providing increased passenger, vehicle and freight capacity alongside significantly improved passenger facilities.
Accessibility has been identified as a key design requirement, reflecting the vital role internal ferries play in daily island life and economic resilience.
While no Orkney specific line was included in the Finance Secretary’s speech, the budget confirmed a £7.6 billion national capital investment programme, with Orkney included within that allocation.
Orkney’s funding package will include a mix of capital and revenue support, allowing design, procurement and delivery work to continue without delay.
Councillor Woodbridge said the announcement marked a major milestone for the islands after sustained work by council officers and elected members.
“This really is fantastic news for Orkney’s plans for a new internal ferry fleet and follows on from some incredible work from this organisation, all aimed at building a strong relationship with the Government, as well as a robust and achievable business case.
“I would like to thank Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie, as well as Scottish Government officers for their commitment to this process, and their understanding of the challenges that we faced.
“This was truly cemented when Ministers made visits to Orkney in order that they could see for themselves the challenges we were facing.
“At the moment, our team are working through a procurement process whereby we are identifying shipyards with the interest in, and potential for, working with us.
“With the sure footing of today’s announcement from the Scottish Government, next month we can move to working directly with those shipyards on a contract to build ferries.”
Councillor Woodbridge said the programme is already in motion and will now progress at pace.
“This announcement confirms that new internal ferries for Orkney are now in motion, with work already underway to make them a reality.
“Assuming these budget proposals are agreed by Parliament, this is a momentous day for Orkney.”
The Ferry Replacement Programme has been a long standing priority for Orkney, with ageing vessels placing growing pressure on reliability, capacity and island connectivity.
Council leaders say the new fleet will be central to supporting communities, businesses and public services across the islands for decades to come.
