NIFS4 community engagement sessions in Orkney and Shetland
As part of the public consultation on the next generation of contract for the Northern Isles Ferry Service, community engagement sessions are planned in Orkney and Shetland to gather local views on lifeline ferry services.
The drop-in sessions will give islanders the opportunity to put forward their views and find out more about the contract development in person. Feedback gathered from both the consultation and sessions will help inform the future ferry contract to ensure it continues to deliver for island residents, communities and businesses.
The public consultation is open until 13 October 2025 and a dedicated NIFS4 webpage has been launched to provide the latest information on contract development.
Details of the community engagement sessions can be seen below:
Orkney
Dates and times of sessions:
- St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall - 10 September 2025 – 10:00-12:30, 18:00-20:00
- Stromness Community Centre -12 September 2025 – 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00
Shetland
Room 11, Isleburgh Complex, King Harald Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0EQ
Dates and times of sessions:
- 18 September 2025 – 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00, 18:00-20:00
- 19 September 2025 – 11:00-13:00
Minister for Connectivity Jim Fairlie said:
“I’m pleased that community engagement sessions are planned for Orkney and Shetland, as direct consultation with those who rely on the Northern Isles ferry service will be a vital part of developing the next generation of NIFS contract.
“Our ambition for NIFS4 is to deliver a resilient and reliable ferry service that is fit for the future. Alongside the public consultation, these community drop-in sessions will help us gather important feedback on the services and ensure these lifeline connections continue to deliver for islanders.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in these services to take part in the planned community engagement sessions and help us shape the development of the next generation of this important contract."