Pentland Ferries has announced today that it has signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries to extend the charter of the vessel MV Alfred for an additional five months. The company’s sister ship, MV Pentalina, will continue to operate the St Margaret’s Hope to Gills Bay service, while MV Alfred will provide additional support within the Clyde and Hebrides network.
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.”