Islanders, businesses and communities across Orkney and Shetland are being called upon to help shape the next chapter in the Northern Isles Ferry Services, as a new 12-week public consultation officially gets underway.
Transport Scotland has opened the process to gather views on the future of the service, currently operated by Serco Northlink Ferries, with the existing contract due to expire in June 2028.
The new contract, known as NIFS4, will set the course for these lifeline links to the Scottish mainland for the next decade and government officials say it must be built on the lived experiences and expectations of the people who depend on it.
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Connectivity, said:
“I am pleased to open this public consultation on the future of the Northern Isles Ferry Services contract, as direct engagement with those who rely on the service will be an essential part of developing the next generation of contract.”
He added that the aim was not only to meet current needs but to deliver “a service that is fit for the future,” working in tandem with vessel replacement proposals outlined in the Islands Connectivity Plan.
“We recognise the importance of these ferry routes,” he said, “and this consultation will allow our stakeholders to share their views to inform the future specification for these services.”
The consultation is available online until 13 October 2025, with Transport Scotland also preparing a series of public engagement sessions later in the year, offering islanders further opportunities to contribute in person.
The call for input has been echoed locally, with Councillor Moraig Lyall, Chair of the Shetland Islands Council’s Environment and Transport Committee and ZetTrans, encouraging everyone with an opinion to respond.
She said:
“The Northlink service is our lifeline ferry connection to the Scottish mainland, and I’d urge everyone with a view on future services to respond to this Transport Scotland consultation.”
“I know that many Shetlanders have strong views on how the service could be improved to better meet their needs, this is the chance to have direct input into the process that will determine the details of the service for the next decade.”
She stressed the importance of ensuring that future contracts reflect the real needs of island life, not just on paper but in practice.
The Northern Isles Ferry Services consultation is part of a broader effort to improve island transport links, with the Scottish Government seeking to build services that are more resilient, responsive and forward-looking.
Whether it’s about booking systems, freight reliability, pricing, timetables or vessel design, the message from both national and local leaders is clear, this is your chance to shape the future of one of Scotland’s most important transport connections.
Submissions can be made now by clicking HERE
