Stromness is a beautiful port town located on Orkney, one of the islands to the north of Scotland. The ferry terminal sits to the north of the town and is seeing an increasing number of ferry traffic year on year linking Orkney with the UK mainland.

NorthLink ferries operate a crossing between Stromness and Scrabster ferry port three times daily during the week and twice daily at weekends. The 90 minute crossing operates early morning from 06:30 through to late afternoon at 16:45. Weekend sailings are at 09:00 and 16:45.

The return sailings are three times a day during weekdays at 08:45, 13:15 and 19:00. During the weekend, the depart at 12:00 and 19:00. Passengers are requested to be at the ferry terminal around one hour before departure with check in closing around 30 minutes prior to departure sailing.

There is little in the way of facilities at the ferry port with a vending machine and waiting area. On board the ferry however there are excellent facilities with the ferry Hamnavo having comfortable lounges, a self service restaurant and bar, sun deck, shopping, games room and children’s facilities including a play area.

There is a frequent weekday bus service from Stromness to Kirkwall and a weekday service to Birsay. Kirkwall has the nearest airport with domestic flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness providing an onward service nationwide to London Heathrow, Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham. These services are operated regionally by British Airways.

There are limited number of parking spaces available at the ferry port and it is advisable to check before arrival as to availability. The ferry and port can accommodate passengers with special needs such as wheelchair access and assistance and you should inform the ferry company when making the reservation.

Tags: Orkney, Scotland, Stromness Port, UK