A small increase of £1 has been applied to adult passenger fares and £2 for cars, while children and van fares have been frozen until 31 March 2028.

Managing director of Pentland Ferries, Helen Inkster, said: “We appreciate that many people like to plan ahead and have the assurance that their travel is confirmed well in advance. That’s why we have set our rates and opened up reservations to 31 March 2028.

“With rising costs and an uncertain economic outlook, this gives certainty to our customers, while freezing van fares offers real support to the small business customers who rely on us.”

Orkney residents registered for the RDS scheme will have their discount applied automatically when they book.

Helen concluded: “We continue to do everything we can to provide a dependable service and fair fares for the community we serve.”

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Pentland Ferries is delighted to have been announced the winner of Ferry Operator of the Year in the National Transport Awards 2026.

Collecting the award, at a ceremony in the Westminster Park Plaza in London last night (Thursday 1 October), managing director of Pentland Ferries, Helen Inkster, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be Ferry Operator of the Year. I am particularly proud to have picked up the award tonight, alongside Pentland Ferries directors and Banks family members, Kathryn, Jenni and Laura. The award is testament to the dedication of the Banks family and wider team, all of whom work very hard to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming service to the travelling public.

“It is very rewarding to see both our people and our approach to ferry services recognised at a national level.”

The Ferry Operator of the Year award recognises excellence in service delivery, reliability, customer experience and innovation.

The Pentland Ferries service connects Orkney with the Scottish mainland. The company has demonstrated a continued investment in affordable and reliable services, with strong operational performance and commitment to supporting the community.

The company has expanded its workforce, strengthened its financial position and increased passenger and vehicle numbers despite the challenging economic environment facing the transport sector.

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Helen has been shortlisted in the Woman of the Year category, while Pentland Ferries has been named a finalist in the Ferry Operator of the Year category.

The Ferry Operator of the Year award celebrates operators that have demonstrated excellence in service delivery, reliability, customer experience and innovation.

As a family-owned business connecting Orkney with mainland Scotland, Pentland Ferries has demonstrated a continued investment in affordable, reliable ferry services, strong operational performance and commitment to supporting island communities.

Under Helen’s leadership, Pentland Ferries has experienced significant growth while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable ferry services for island communities.

The company has expanded its workforce, strengthened its financial position and increased passenger and vehicle numbers despite the challenging economic environment facing the transport sector.

Helen also oversaw the successful charter of MV Alfred while maintaining Pentland Ferries’ own lifeline service across the Pentland Firth and has championed initiatives such as the company’s self-funded Residents’ Discount Scheme.

Helen Inkster said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s National Transport Awards.

“These nominations are a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our entire team, who work tirelessly to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming service every day. As a family-owned business, we’re incredibly proud to support our island communities, and it’s rewarding to see both our people and our approach to ferry services recognised at a national level.”

The winners will be announced at the National Transport Awards ceremony on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Westminster Park Plaza, London.

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Pentland Ferries has submitted a planning application to Orkney Islands Council for the development of a new three-storey head office and waiting room with a covered walkway to provide a sheltered pathway to board the vessel at St Margaret’s Hope.

The development is designed to accommodate public waiting areas, customer services offices, toilets, a marine and technical zone, meeting rooms and offices, improving the passenger experience and bringing the offices and management team together under one roof.

A timeline for construction will be confirmed following the determination of the planning application. In the interim, a separate planning application is being submitted to site a temporary facility to replace the existing booking office and other office accommodation located at the pier.

Managing director of Pentland Ferries, Helen Inkster, said: “This is an important and ambitious move for Pentland Ferries.

“While terminal facilities have been continuously improved to handle increasing traffic, the administration, marine and and passenger facilities at St Margaret’s Hope now require updating to efficiently service the needs of the business and our customers.

“The new energy efficient building will provide an improved visitor experience and better accessibility for our customers and staff.

“The development reflects the growth and aspirations of the company and positions it well for the future. It will greatly increase operational efficiency and give the team a main base from which to operate.

“The most recent development of the marshalling yard was undertaken with the aim of providing a suitable site for the building adjoining the existing ro-ro facility and we are delighted to now be in a position to take this forward.”

The plans have been designed by HRI Munro Architecture. Vicky Hazell, director, said: “We are very proud to be part of Pentland Ferries’ ongoing development, and delighted to help deliver a contemporary, high quality terminal building for their staff and passengers. The new facility will also serve as an important gateway to Orkney for visitors.”

Helen Inkster concluded: “If approved, the development will represent a significant, entirely private, investment in Pentland Ferries’ shoreside infrastructure, supporting the continued growth of our services between Orkney and Caithness.”

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To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Pentland Ferries held a black-tie event in Kirkwall Grammar School last weekend (Saturday 9 May). Staff and crew were joined by suppliers, customers, families, and friends for an inspirational talk by Chris Lemons, the deep-sea diver who cheated death at the bottom of the North Sea for 35 minutes with only six minutes of air. His talk was followed by a gala dinner, live charity auction, and a dance.

Fundraising at the event, together with an online auction, has raised more than £15,000 – and still counting – for two Scottish maritime charities.

Funds raised will support the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and the Sailors’ Orphan Society of Scotland, both of which provide valuable support to members of the maritime community.

The online auction, which ran from 3 to 10 May, attracted strong support from suppliers and customers, with bidders competing for a wide range of prizes including a year’s free travel with Pentland Ferries, hospitality and visitor experiences, golfing packages, short breaks, and rare whiskies.
Many of the prizes were donated by local businesses, partners and supporters, helping to boost the total raised.

Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said:
“Celebrating 25 years of service was the perfect opportunity not only to reflect on the company’s journey, but also to give something back through supporting two charities with close links to the maritime sector.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown through the auction and wider fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, placed bids, shared the auction, and contributed in any way. The support received has been fantastic.”

Since launching in May 2001, Pentland Ferries has provided a vital transport link between Caithness and Orkney.

Established in 2001 by Andrew Banks, the independent operator has grown from a single-vessel start-up into a key regional operator, developing ferry operations, fleet investment, and infrastructure on one of the UK’s most challenging maritime routes.

Pentland Ferries entered the market without public subsidy, building and operating its own terminals at Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope to support a shorter crossing between Caithness and Orkney.

The service commenced on 3 May 2001, when MV Pentalina B completed its first crossing carrying 12 passengers and five cars. Early uptake from both passengers and commercial operators demonstrated demand for additional capacity and route flexibility.

A step change in operations came in 2009 with the introduction of the purpose-built catamaran, MV Pentalina, increasing capacity and improving passenger comfort. The vessel supported sustained traffic growth, with passenger numbers rising significantly in the years following entry into service and stabilising at approximately 150,000 annually.

In 2019, the company expanded its capacity again with the introduction of MV Alfred. Around 30 per cent larger than its predecessor, the vessel can accommodate up to 98 cars, 12 HGV trailers and 450 passengers.

Designed with efficiency in mind, Alfred delivers significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared with conventional tonnage operating on Scottish island routes, aligning with increasing regulatory and environmental expectations across the sector.

The vessel received international recognition, winning in its category at the International Cruise and Ferry Ship of the Year Awards. Pentland Ferries also became the first UK ferry operator to achieve Green Tourism certification in 2020.

Over 25 years, Pentland Ferries has maintained service continuity while operating in a fully commercial environment alongside a publicly funded competitor.

The company remains privately owned and family-influenced, with founder Andrew Banks now serving as chairman. In 2022, Helen Inkster was appointed managing director, overseeing a period of operational complexity, including vessel deployment changes and commercial adjustments.

In recent years, MV Pentalina has returned to service on the Pentland Firth route, while the MV Alfred is on charter to Caledonian MacBrayne, providing resilience on Scotland’s Clyde and Hebrides network.

In 2024, Pentland Ferries received Highland Business Awards for both Positive Environmental Impact and Highland Business of the Year, reflecting its dual focus on commercial performance and sustainability.

Speaking at the event, director of Pentland Ferries Kathryn Banks said: “It has been a long journey but it all comes back to the fact that as a family we love the company, we love what we are doing, and we are so grateful to our employees and customers for helping us to reach this major milestone.

“Having grown up in the business since I was a young teen, it’s a really special thing, one that few people will have the good fortune to experience. To come through a family business from a child and manage to celebrate where we are today at 25 years is such a privilege.”

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The sponsorship deal with Pentland Ferries, worth £20,000 over three years, will supplement the capital funding already secured for the project from Scottish Land Fund, National Heritage Lottery Fund, Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Orkney Archaeological Society and a major crowdfunding drive.

Pentland Ferries’ contribution will provide invaluable ongoing support towards the site’s running costs, helping ensure its long-term sustainability as a visitor attraction and educational resource.

The 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in South Ronaldsay is one of Orkney’s most celebrated heritage sites, renowned for its collection of human and sea eagle remains, and its role in deepening the understanding of prehistoric life not just in the Northern Isles but across Britain.

Steve Sankey, chair of the Tomb of the Eagles Community Development Group, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Pentland Ferries for their generous support. This partnership is a great example of local businesses working together for the good of the community. The sponsorship will play a vital role in helping us reopen and operate sustainably, providing both locals and visitors the chance to experience one of Orkney’s most remarkable archaeological sites.”

The Tomb of the Eagles will reopen with plans for a refreshed visitor experience, including improved interpretation and access via the construction of a replica tomb next to the Visitor Centre, and a renewed focus on engaging local schools, residents, and heritage enthusiasts from across the world.

Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said: “We are proud to support the reopening of such a culturally important site. As a local business, we understand the value of preserving and sharing our heritage. The Tomb of the Eagles has inspired generations, and we’re pleased to help secure its future for many more to come.”

This latest commitment reflects Pentland Ferries’ wider role in supporting the Orkney community, environment, and wider economy – working in partnership to help the islands thrive.

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Forty one BookBench sculptures have been designed and created by some of the country’s most talented artists for a world-class, free art trail across communities where Clan Cancer Support has a presence.

Director of Pentland Ferries, Kathryn Banks, said: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring one of the book benches, which will be unveiled at an undisclosed location in Orkney next week.

“We were particularly delighted to be matched with our first design choice, which is by Caithness-based artist, Shelagh Swanson. We love the theme and can’t wait to see the finished piece.”

Shelagh Swanson said: “With a studio only 10 miles from the ferry terminal at Gills Bay, I am delighted that Pentland Ferries is my sponsor.

“This will be my seventh time participating in these trails. It’s always a lovely event to be part of, and of course, amazing to be able to help fundraise for the charities involved!”

Pentland Ferries is planning a number of fundraising initiatives as part of the event, details of which will be released next week.

Clan chose the BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of the charity’s lifeline listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.

The charity hopes the sculpture, which can seat two adults, will encourage people to take time to reflect on their wellbeing as they enjoy discovering the artwork on the trail.

At the end of the trail, the BookBenches will be auctioned off to raise significant funds for Clan to help the charity reach and support more people who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

For more information visit: https://www.clancancersupport.org/the-book-bench-trail

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Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, stated, “I am pleased to confirm that we have signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries to extend the charter of MV Alfred until the end of October 2025.”

As a result of this extension, the Resident Discount Scheme has also been extended for the same timeframe. Funded by Pentland Ferries, this initiative aims to make travel more accessible and affordable for island residents, offering Orkney islanders a reduced single fare from £22 to £14.

Orkney residents who have already booked travel between 1 and 7 June, 2025, are encouraged to contact the office for a refund, while the introduction of a new booking system means that a refund will automatically be applied to residents who have booked to travel between 8 June and 31 October, 2025.

Full details of the fare reductions can be found at https://pentlandferries.co.uk/tariff/.

Helen continued: “With both MV Alfred and MV Pentalina in service, we are pleased to maintain a reliable service for our passengers, support over 80 jobs, and ensure that the business continues to invest in the local community and is well-positioned for the future.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with CalMac Ferries and serving the island communities in both Orkney and the west of Scotland.”

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