25th Anniversary Timeline
When salmon prices declined in the 1990s, Andrew Banks decided to move away from the aquaculture business and launch a ferry service.
There was no public backing for the operation and the competition on the route was – and still is – subsidised by the government. Using private funds and limited manpower, Andrew’s first challenge was to create the infrastructure required at both St Margaret’s Hope and Gills Bay.
In 1998, with some knowledge from services run by his father and uncle in the 1970s, and an enormous amount of determination, Andrew secured the plant at auction and, with the help of only three other men, began the physical build of the breakwater and infrastructure for the link span at Gills Bay.
A linkspan was installed at St Margaret’s Hope and another at Gills Bay.
The latter having been built in St Margaret’s Hope and transferred to Gills Bay on the MV Pentalina B (formerly the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, Iona).
With terminals in place and the Pentalina B upgraded to the satisfaction of the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the service launched on 3 May 2001.
There had been years of manual work and financial hardship, but when the service was finally up and running, the popularity of the new venture soon became evident.
The first crossing attracted 12 passengers, five cars, and, on the return journey, the first of many commercial vehicles to take advantage of the new service. One month in and Andrew was confident that the business would be a success.
The arrival of the MV Pentalina in 2009 was transformational for the business.
Pentland Ferries came into its own with passenger figures leaping up by 20% in the first year of service. The next two years also showed a significant increase of 17% and 13% respectively, steadying out at 8% in subsequent years. The service reached close to capacity at 150,000 passengers per year before the launch of the MV Alfred in 2019.
During this period of growth, the family was proud to see Andrew’s achievements recognised when he was awarded an OBE in 2014.
The MV Alfred starts the long voyage from Vũng Tàu shipyard in Vietnam to Orkney on 30 August 2019
Built by Strategic Marine, the £15 million vessel is 30% bigger than the Pentalina, with space for 98 cars, 12 articulated trailers, and 450 passengers. The ship is not only very spacious, it’s more comfortable and, with two additional thrusters, handles better than its predecessor.
The MV Alfred came into service in November 2019.
Notably, the MV Alfred is the most environmentally-friendly ferry to come to Scotland: more than 60 per cent more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emission levels than other comparable ferries operating in Scotland.
MV Alfred was named in honour of Andrew’s father, on whose wisdom the business is built.
Andrew said: “I tell my children what my father said to me: as long as there are people living in Orkney, they need a ferry service, and you’re holding the key. That key is Gills Bay. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, people want a short ferry crossing.”
He was right. In 25 years of operation, Pentland Ferries has carried millions of passengers and vehicles across the Pentland Firth.
Pentland Ferries became the first ferry operator in the UK to achieve a Green Tourism Award for its environmentally sensitive practices and operations.
In the same year, MV Alfred was the runaway winner of the ferries category in the International Cruise and Ferry Ship of the Year Awards. The vessel was selected for its innovation construction and design, onboard amenities and experiences, and environmental stewardship.
Pentland Ferries experience a 70% drop in business as a result of COVID, but remained resilient throughout – carrying essential supplies into Orkney and generating £4000 for the Longhope Lifeboat through a major fundraiser, with the team, family and friends clocking up 4000 miles of walking, running, and cycling for the RNLI.
In a restructure of the business, Helen Inkster became managing director, with Andrew Banks still very much involved as chairman.
MV Pentalina returns to service as the MV Alfred goes on charter to CalMac Ferries on the Clyde and Hebrides network.
Pentland Ferries launches its Orkney Resident Discount Scheme, reducing passenger fares for islanders.
Pentland Ferries supports sports’ teams and individuals, charities, recreational groups and schools through its extensive sponsorship programme.
Pentland Ferries scoops two awards in the Highland Business Awards – Positive Environmental Impact and Highland Business of the Year.
MV Pentalina appeared in the hugely popular Netflix drama, Dept Q. The vessel was exclusively booked for filming with 100 cast and crew (including some Orcadians playing extras) onboard.
Pentland Ferries annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, held at the office in St Margaret’s Hope. The event raises around £3,000 each year for the charity.
There is, without doubt, more to come from a company that quietly goes from strength to strength, whatever obstacles present themselves along the way.