Pentland Ferries has announced that it is extending the self-funded Resident Discount Scheme (RDS), introduced at the end of last year, until the end of October 2024.
The scheme, which makes ferry travel between St Margaret’s Hope and Gills Bay more affordable for Orkney islanders, has been hailed a great success, with many islanders already signed up for travel during the winter months.
Managing director of Pentland Ferries, Helen Inkster, said: “We are delighted that RDS has been so well received and we would like to thank all Orkney residents who have signed up and used the scheme this winter. I’m very pleased that we can now extend the initiative by continuing to discount travel this Easter, Summer, and throughout October.”
The self-funded Resident Discount Scheme reduces a single passenger journey from £20 to £12 and a car journey from £45 to £40, and has been made commercially possible thanks to the extension of the charter of the firm’s second vessel, MV Alfred, to Caledonian MacBrayne.
Additionally, the scheme complements the across-the-board passenger fare freeze which Pentland Ferries is operating until March 2025.
Helen Inkster continued: “As a local business, our community is very important to us, we will continue to do all we can to provide islanders with the best possible service at the most affordable price. The charter of the MV Alfred to CalMac has helped us to achieve that objective. We always strive to contribute to the local economy by employing local people and, where possible, sourcing local supplies and services.”
Resident Discount is available on sailings up to and including 31 October 2024. 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/