Pentland Ferries offers an attractive service on an alternative route to Orkney. The company provides a short one hour sailing from Gills Bay to Margaret’s Bay in Orkney. There are three sailings per day all year round, with four sailings offered in August. The short one hour journey accommodates both cars and passengers. Passengers are advised to be at the terminal 30 minutes prior to departure.

Pentland Ferries own two ferries, the Pentalina B and the Pentalina Catamaran. The Pentalina B holds up to 250 passengers and 46 cars whilst the Catamaran holds 350 passengers and around 50 cars.

Onboard both ships you will find a comfortable observations lounge where passengers can enjoy the sea views in comfort. Alternatively you can choose to sit on the deck or in the onboard cafeteria and enjoy food and drinks. The service provides the quickest way to reach Orkney from Caithness and in doing so takes the most sheltered route, providing passengers with the upmost comfort.

Children under the age of 16 are not allowed onboard without adult supervision and any pets must remain in their owners vehicles at all time, with the exception of guide dogs. Pentland Ferries also operates a strict non-smoking policy onboard all sailings.

Both ships cater to disabled travellers with good wheelchair access and disabled toilets onboard. Staff will assist with boarding and other special requirements but it is advised to warn staff of any needs when making your booking.

The two piers offer little in the way of facilities however there are shops and cafés within walking distance if travellers want to kill some time when waiting for their ferry.

St Margaret’s Hope, on the island of South Ronaldsey, is Orkney’s third largest settlement behind Kirkwall and Stormness and is connected to Mainland by the A961 road making it a good place to start any visit to Orkney as there is easy access to the rest of the islands.

Tags: Gills Bay, Kirkwall, Orkney, Pentalina Catamaran, Pentland Ferries, St Margaret