Outline designs for three new ferries serving Westray, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday have been revealed as Orkney Islands Council begins public consultations this month.
A series of open days and presentations will take place across the islands from 24 September, with an additional event scheduled in Kirkwall on 29 September.
The designs mark the completion of Phase 1 of the Council’s Ferry Replacement Programme, which was approved in June 2024 to develop a Final Business Case for renewing Orkney’s ageing inter-island fleet.
Phase 1 proposes three new 60-metre monohull ferries that will operate on existing infrastructure across the North Isles.
A smaller vessel is also planned for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, recognising their unique needs.
The outline design now released has undergone extensive simulator testing and been reviewed by a dedicated taskforce, including island community council transport reps.
Kieron Brogan of the Sanday Development Trust, who is part of the taskforce, welcomed the process.
“The project team has taken the time to share their plans and involve representation from the communities,” he said.
“It is very clear that a great deal of time and investigation has gone into providing the best ferries possible for the islands.”
Brogan encouraged islanders to get involved:
“The islands cannot exist without the ferries, so I urge all residents to attend the consultations, view the impressive designs, and understand the journey behind them.
“It is now vital that we all show support so the opportunity to move forward is not missed.”
The proposed designs have also been reviewed by Orkney Ferries staff, Elected Members, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), and the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team.
A report on community feedback and the draft vessel designs will be presented to the Development and Infrastructure Committee next month.
Councillor Kristopher Leask, who chairs the committee, said this is a crucial stage.
“This month’s consultation and the upcoming events represent a great opportunity for our island communities to have their say on the proposed designs of their lifeline ferry services,” he said.
“Through the representative taskforce group, the views of the communities have been placed at the heart of the design process and it’s exciting to be able to now share the resultant designs more widely.”
Procurement is expected to begin by the end of the year, subject to funding from ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government’s Ferries Taskforce.
Phase 2 of the programme will focus on new specifications for the South Isles, including vessels for Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Graemsay, North Hoy, and other key routes like Rousay and Shapinsay, where capacity needs are rising.
The outline ferry design and comparison images are available via the Orkney Islands Council website, and residents can send feedback by emailing transport@orkney.gov.uk.
Open Day Schedule
Westray School – Community Room
24 Sept: 2–5pm & 7–9pm
Eday Heritage and Visitor Centre
25 Sept: 7–9pm
26 Sept: 10am–1pm
Stronsay Community Centre
26 Sept: 4–6pm & 7–9pm
Sanday School – Community Wing
27 Sept: 10:30am–1:30pm & 7–9pm
Kirkwall Town Hall – Supper Room
