Ferry vouchers

Ferries are an essential part of Scotland's transport network, providing a vital lifeline to island and rural mainland residents. Concessionary ferry vouchers are provided to those who are eligible to help them take sustainable journeys to the mainland.

If you are eligible, you will receive vouchers for four single (or two return) free ferry trips between your home island and the Scottish mainland. They are valid from 1 April to 31 March the following year for travel as a foot passenger or to help pay for a cabin.

As an island resident, when you apply for your National Entitlement Card (NEC) – which you might also know as your saltirecard or bus pass – you will also automatically receive your ferry vouchers if you are eligible.

If you live in Orkney and Shetland, you will use digital vouchers that are stored on your card. Everyone else will receive their paper ferry vouchers in the post.

From 1 April 2025, if you are aged under 22 and live within Orkney, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides, you can receive free foot passenger travel on inter-island ferry services within your own local authority area by showing your NEC. Read more about free inter island ferry travel for under 22s.

Young cardholders

You are eligible for ferry vouchers if:

• you live in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, plus islands in North Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute and Highland Council areas
• you are aged 16-21
• you are aged 22-25 and a full time volunteer

If you have received ferry vouchers because you are aged 16-21, you must be under 22 on the date you travel.

The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme does not provide free ferry travel. However, from 1 April 2025, island residents aged under 22 who live within Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides can receive free foot passenger travel on inter-island ferry services within their own local authority area by showing their National Entitlement Card (NEC).

Older and Disabled cardholders

You are eligible for ferry vouchers if:

• you live in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland
• you can travel for free by bus under the national concessionary travel scheme

You may also be eligible for other concessionary ferry fares and discounts, such as Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) concessionary ferry fares. Check with the ferry operator if you are unsure.

Companions

If you have a companion entitlement for bus travel then a companion can also travel with you free on the ferry. However, your companion cannot use your ferry vouchers/card unless you are present with them on the journey.

You need to bring your NEC (which you might also know as your saltirecard or bus pass) which displays the C+1 logo when you travel. If you do not have your card with the C+1 logo then ferry staff will charge your companion the normal fare for the trip.

We are modernising the way ferry vouchers are used, bringing your bus pass and ferry vouchers together onto your saltirecard. You might also know this as your bus pass, National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot Card.

In April 2024, digital vouchers were introduced to everyone who gets ferry vouchers in Orkney and Shetland.

This means, instead of receiving paper vouchers, your vouchers are digital and are stored on your card. The digital vouchers provide you with exactly the same as your paper vouchers did.

This makes it easier to book journeys in advance because you no longer need to wait for your paper vouchers to arrive through the post before you book and helps to reduce the risk of lost vouchers. It’s part of our journey to make sure our public services are modern and efficient, and will provide better journey information, offering new insight and helping to protect the integrity of the scheme.

Read more below about how to get and use digital ferry vouchers.

How do I get my digital vouchers?

There are a number of different ways to add your ferry vouchers onto your card and also to check how many vouchers you have left. You can do it using a smartphone, or if you’re not a smartphone user there are other options too. Read more about how to do this below.

Option 1 – use the Transport Scot Pass Collect app

You can download the app from the App store or Google Play store and follow the on screen instructions to collect your ferry vouchers. It’s easy to use and only takes a few minutes.

Find out more about the app and watch a video on how to use it.

Option 2 – visit a help spot or ask a friend

You can also ask someone who has a smartphone to download and use the app to add your vouchers to your card for you. It is safe and quick to do this and personal information isn’t seen, kept or shared. Find out more about the app and how to use it.

You can also get further support from designated help spots in Orkney and Shetland. You can find a list of these in the contact us section below and a list of these will also be included with the letter and leaflet you receive.

Option 3 – get help from ferry staff

Ferry staff from Serco NorthLink and Pentland Ferries can add the vouchers to your card. This is quick for them to do. They can do it in the local ticket office or at the ferry port, but this must be ahead of the day of travel.

How to check my digital vouchers

If you have digital vouchers, you can check how many vouchers you have left using the same options for getting your vouchers. Alternatively, you can find out by contacting your local council travel team using the contact details below.

Help and support

Frequently asked questions

Your card

Will I need a new card for my ferry vouchers?

All existing cards should work. However, if your card is broken or you have lost it, you can get a new one by applying online at getyournec.scot or by contacting your local council.

Until you have your new card you will not be able to use your ferry vouchers for travel. You can book travel but cannot make the trip until you have your new card.

Getting your digital vouchers

I don’t have a mobile phone. How will I get my vouchers?

There is no need to have a mobile phone to receive your digital vouchers. You can get them in several ways, just pick the one that is best for you. The options are explained in the section above titled ‘How do I collect my vouchers’.

If someone downloads my vouchers using their phone and my card, will the vouchers then be stored on their phone?

No. Your ferry vouchers will only ever be stored onto your card.

If I use the app to download someone else’s vouchers to their card, will I still be able to download my vouchers to my card?

Yes. Don't worry, this won't affect your own vouchers because the app can be used to add vouchers to any number of cards.

Will you notify me each year to remind me I have new vouchers to download?

Yes. We will be in touch by letter to tell you when your vouchers for the next year are available to download and remind you about the different ways you can do this.

Using your digital vouchers

If my digital voucher is about to expire, can I book a trip into the next year with it and use it then?

No. Just like the paper vouchers, your digital vouchers must be used before they expire. The vouchers are valid for 12 months from 1 April to 31 March.

What happens if there is internet failure or power cut at the ferry terminal?

The system can operate without internet and ferry operators have processes in place which should allow you to continue to travel.

Power cuts should not affect the system as the ticket machines which scan the cards use batteries.

If the ferry is cancelled, how will I get my voucher returned?

Ferry vouchers are not redeemed until you check in. In the unlikely event that your service is cancelled, you will be rebooked onto the next service and your voucher will be valid for your next journey.

Contact us

For further help, you can contact your local council or Transport Scotland using the details below. If you have any feedback on digital ferry vouchers that you would like to share you can send this to Transport Scotland using the details below.

Orkney Islands Council

Telephone number: 01856 873535
Email address: ferryvouchers@orkney.gov.uk

Shetland Islands Council

Telephone number: 01595 744868
Email address: transport@shetland.gov.uk

Transport Scotland

Freephone telephone number: 0800 328 5690 and select option 2
Email: mailto:concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot

Bookings

For help with bookings, please contact the relevant ferry operator.

Help spots

As well as your local council, you can visit the help spots below for further support getting and checking your digital vouchers.

Age Scotland (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support in Kirkwall and other locations.

Address – 46 Victoria Street, Kirkwall
Email – enquiries@agescotlandorkney.org.uk
Telephone – 01856 872438

Eday Partnership Wellbeing Team (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support using the details below.

Name – Anne Byers
Email – cdo@edaypartnership.org
Telephone – 01857 622269

Orkney Library and Archive (Orkney)

Visit the front reception desk and main library issue desk for support.

Address – 44 Junction Road, Kirkwall
Email – library@orkney.gov.uk
Telephone – 01856 873166

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support in Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.

Email – nicky@rewdt.org
Telephone – 01856 821229

Shapinsay Development Trust (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support using the details below.

Name – Alison McDougall
Email – wellbeing@shapinsay.org.uk

Telephone – 07867 622814

Stromness Library (Orkney)

Visit the main reception desk for support.

Address – Warehouse Buildings, 2-12 Victoria Street, Stromness
Email – stromnesscs@orkney.gov.uk
Telephone – 01856 850 907

Stronsay Development Trust (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support using the details below.

Name – Anna Bliss-Davis
Email – cdostronsay@gmail.com

Telephone – 07590 543008

THAW (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support in Kirkwall and other locations.

Address – Unit 6, Anchor Buildings, Bridge Street, Kirkwall
Email – info@thaworkney.co.uk
Telephone – 01856 878388

Westray Development Trust (Orkney)

Get in touch to arrange support using the details below.

Name – Erika Pottinger
Email – wellbeing@westraydevelopmenttrust.co.uk

Telephone – 07974 108983

Citizens Advice Bureau (Shetland)

Visit the reception desk for support.

Address – Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick
Email – sicab@shetland.org
Telephone – 01595 694696

Royal Voluntary Service (Shetland)

Get in touch to arrange support in Lerwick and other locations.

Email – shetlandsupport@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Telephone – 01595 743914

Shetland Community Connections (Shetland)

Get in touch to arrange support in Lerwick and other locations.

Email – communityconnections@shetland.org
Telephone – 01595 745093

Shetland Library (Shetland)

Visit the reception desk for support.

Address – Lower Hillhead, Lerwick
Email – shetlandlibrary@shetland.gov.uk
Telephone – 01595 743868

How to book

You can book your ferry travel in person or over the phone.

If you use digital vouchers, remember that your vouchers don’t need to be on your card before you book! Ferry staff from Serco NorthLink and Pentland Ferries can add the vouchers to your card. This is quick for them to do. They can do it in the local ticket office or at the ferry port, but this must be ahead of the day of travel.

In person

If you book in person, please show ferry staff your card. If you use paper vouchers, please show these too. Ferry staff will take the necessary information from you.

Over the phone

If you book over the phone, please let ferry staff know that you are using either digital or paper concessionary vouchers. Remember to have your card handy. If you use paper vouchers, have your ferry voucher number ready too. If you use digital vouchers, ferry staff do not need a voucher number and will ask for any card details they need.

When you travel

However you book, always remember to bring your card and ferry voucher (if you use paper vouchers) with you when you travel or you may be charged for your journey. Contact CalMac or NorthLink for more information.

Ferry staff will check you have a valid card and voucher when you travel. If you use digital vouchers, they will scan your card to redeem a voucher. For young people, they will also check the date of birth on your card.

If your card or voucher is not valid, you will need to pay for the journey.

Overnight accommodation

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 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. Contact NorthLink for more information.

Where you can travel

Cardholders who are disabled, aged 60+ or aged 16-21 can travel between their home island and the Scottish mainland on the routes below.

Northern Isles

• Shetland: Lerwick - Aberdeen
• Orkney: Kirkwall - Aberdeen
• Orkney: Stromness - Scrabster
• Orkney: St Margaret's Hope - Gills Bay

Outer Hebrides

• Barra: Oban - Castlebay 
• North Uist: Uig – Lochmaddy
• Harris: Uig - Tarbert 
• South Uist: Lochboisdale – Mallaig/Oban
• Lewis: Stornoway - Ullapool

Cardholders who aged 16-21 can also travel between their home island and the Scottish mainland on the routes below.

Inner Hebrides

• Mull: Tobermory - Kilchoan
• Coll & Tiree: Oban - Coll\Tiree
• Lismore: Oban - Lismore
• Mull: Oban - Craignure
• Mull: Lochaline - Fishnish
• Iona: Fionnphort - Iona
• Kerrera: Gallanach - Kerrera

Southern Hebrides

• Islay: Kennacraig - Port Ellen/Port Askaig
• Colonsay: Oban – Colonsay - Port Askaig – Kennacraig
• Gigha: Tayinloan – Gigha

Skye, Raasay & the Small Isles

• Skye: Mallaig – Armadale
• Raasay: Sconser – Raasay
• Small Isles: Mallaig – Eigg – Muck – Rum – Canna

Firth of Clyde

• Arran: Ardrossan – Brodick
• Arran: Claonaig/Tarbert – Lochranza
• Bute: Colintraive – Rhubodach
• Bute: Wemyss Bay – Rothesay
• Cumbrae: Largs – Cumbrae slip

On 27 March 2025, the Scottish Government announced that free inter-island ferry travel for all island residents under the age of 22 within Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides would be introduced on 1 April 2025.

The scheme forms part of the Scottish Government’s long term strategy to ensure ferry services are affordable and sustainable for years to come. The scheme will also help eradicate child poverty and grow the economy by providing young people with free access to education, employment and social opportunities.

Who is eligible?

If you are aged under 22 and live within Orkney, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides, you can receive free foot passenger travel on inter-island ferry services within your own local authority area.

How it works

It’s really easy - you just need to show your National Entitlement Card (NEC) when you travel. Remember to bring your card with you, or you may be charged for your journey.

Ferry staff will check the local authority logo and date of birth on your card.