Pentland Ferries

About

Pentland Ferries is a family run business which operates a ferry crossing across the Pentland Firth. The purpose-built catamaran, MV Alfred, sails from St Margaret's Hope in Orkney to Gills Bay in Caithness running three return crossings per day in each direction. The journey takes just one hour making it the shortest sailing to or from Orkney with your car. Accommodation onboard includes spacious seating areas, a cafe, outdoor seating, and an indoor dog-friendly sundeck lounge. There is lift access from the car deck to the lounges. The ship carries 98 cars, or 54 cars with 12 articulated vehicles/coaches and 430 passengers. The only ferry operator to hold a Green Tourism Award, the ship is more than 60 per cent more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emission levels than other comparable ferries operating in Scotland.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes