Pentland Ferries are excited to announce the launch of their self-funded Resident Discount Scheme which will make ferry travel more affordable for Orkney islanders.
The family-owned and run business, which operates three return sailings per day with the MV Pentalina between St Margaret’s Hope and Gills Bay, will offer their exclusive discount to Orkney residents from Monday 4th December.
“Our focus has always been on providing our community with safe, efficient, and effective ferry services,” said Helen Inkster, Managing Director of Pentland Ferries. “We recognise that island residents have higher living costs than many living elsewhere in Scotland, so we hope that this new initiative, which we are trialling over the winter months, will go some way towards redressing that balance.
“We are really proud to be launching the scheme today. If Orkney residents get behind it, as we believe they will, we hope that the discount can be offered beyond March next year.”
Today’s news comes on the back of Pentland Ferries recently announced across-the-board passenger fare freeze, which will last until the end of March 2025.
The Resident Discount Scheme will reduce a single passenger journey from £20 to £12 and a car journey from £45 to £40, and has been made possible thanks to the extension of the charter of the firm’s second vessel, MV Alfred, to Caledonian MacBrayne. It brings Pentland Ferries’ fares in line with the publicly-funded Islander Discount provided by Northlink Ferries.
Explaining the firm’s commitment to Orkney islanders, Helen Inkster added, “We employ around 90 staff, of whom over half live in Orkney, and we are deeply committed to our workforce, and to sustaining and supporting our local island community. This new self-funded discount scheme extends our commitment to all Orkney residents.”
Resident Discount will be available on sailings from Monday 4th December. Proof of residency can be made via a simple form on the Pentland Ferries website. A unique ID will be issued for use when booking by phone or online. Residents with existing bookings can also claim the discount by signing up to the scheme and contacting rds@pentlandferries.co.uk.
For further information and full terms and conditions, visit:
https://pentlandferries.co.uk/rds/
https://pentlandferries.co.uk/rds-faqs/