Ferry concessions

QR Codes - Note for all ferry voucher users

  • The QR codes printed on your ferry vouchers will not be scanned by ferry staff. The QR codes are not being used in this way.
  • It is vital that all ferry voucher passengers carry their Young Scot NEC card or Older and Disabled NEC card (showing C or C+1 logo), plus their ferry voucher when travelling.
  • If you do not have the appropriate NEC card, plus a ferry voucher then the ferry company is entitled to charge you (and any companion) the appropriate fare for the trip.

Older and Disabled National Entitlement Card (NEC) cardholders

Residents on the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland

Residents who qualify for free bus travel under the concessionary travel scheme can also get two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year.

The vouchers are valid throughout the year for travel as a foot passenger.

When you apply for your National Entitlement Card your local authority will also send your ferry vouchers.

They'll also send new vouchers before 1 April. Vouchers are valid until 31 March.

Please note that all newly issued ferry vouchers have a QR code printed on them in place of the C or C+1 logo.

If you have a Companion entitlement for bus travel then you still have the entitlement for a companion to travel with you free on the ferry. You must carry your NEC card which displays the C+1 logo when making your journey. If you do not carry your NEC card with the C+1 logo then ferry staff are entitled to charge your companion the normal fare for the trip.

Claiming your free ferry travel

To claim your free journey book in person or over the phone. If buying in person, show your National Entitlement Card and exchange your vouchers for a free ticket. If you call, have your National Entitlement Card and ferry voucher numbers to hand.

However you book, always remember to bring your National Entitlement Card and ferry voucher when you travel or you may be charged for your journey.

Western Isles residents

Use your ferry voucher to travel on any of these routes:

  • Castlebay (Barra) - Oban
  • Lochmaddy (North Uist) - Uig
  • Lochboisdale (South Uist) - Mallaig
  • Lochboisdale (South Uist) - Oban
  • Stornoway (Lewis) - Ullapool
  • Tarbert (Harris) - Uig

Orkney and Shetland residents

Use your ferry voucher to travel on any of these routes:

  • Lerwick - Aberdeen
  • Kirkwall - Aberdeen
  • Stromness - Scrabster
  • Margaret's Hope - Gills Bay
  • Burwick - John O'Groats
  • Lerwick - Kirkwall

Your voucher usually entitles you to a free berth on overnight services, however COVID-19 restrictions mean cabins may no longer be shared as normal. The shared cabin offer has therefore been suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and island communities from the potential spread and transmission of COVID-19.

NorthLink Ferries continue to offer a variety of accommodation options at various prices including pod lounges, reclining seats and cabins for those wishing to utilise them, in addition to the free use seating around the vessel. Customers can still use their concessionary ferry voucher for free passenger travel and to partially offset the cost of cabins for sole use.

The difference between shared cabin cost and full cabin cost on a sole occupancy basis should be covered by customers at the time of booking. Customers may also choose to use two vouchers in payment for sole use of a cabin.

Who are you travelling with?

If you're travelling alone you are entitled to a private cabin but will be required to pay the cost difference.

If you're travelling with a non-concessionary traveller you're still entitled to free travel but your companion must cover any costs they incur. If you choose to share a private cabin, they'll meet the additional costs.

If you're travelling with another concessionary traveller and want to share a cabin, the ferry operator will always try to give you a private cabin.

If you're travelling with concessionary and non-concessionary travellers you can opt for a four bed cabin. Only the non-concessionary travellers will be charged.

If you'd like to upgrade to a premium cabin you must make up the cost difference.

Young People/ Young Scot cardholders

Residents on the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, plus North Ayrshire, Argyle and Bute and Highland Council

  • The Young People /Young Scot ferry concession, for those aged 16,17 or 18, applies to cardholders resident on the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, plus islands in North Ayrshire, Argyle and Bute and Highland Council areas.
  • If you are aged 16,17 or 18 and live on a Scottish island you will receive four ferry vouchers which entitles you to two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year. The vouchers are valid from 1 April to 31 March of the following year and you get them automatically until you turn 19 (or 26 for full-time volunteers).
  • If you have received ferry vouchers because you are aged 16-18, you must be under 19 on the date you travel. Ferry terminal staff will check you have a valid Young Scot card and a ferry voucher when you travel and will also check the date of birth on your Young Scot card. You will require a valid Young Scot card and valid ferry voucher when you book and will need to have these on the day of travel or you will be required to pay for the journey.
  • If you are travelling on Northlink Ferries then the note the “Who are you travelling with?” information which applies to all ferry voucher passengers.