Northlink Ferries: The Islands' Lifeline

Those who travel on the services to the islands as 'locals' will know that the shipping operations play a vital role in their everyday life for provisions and trade. The 'Islands lifeline' operated by NorthLink has to be maintained 52 weeks of the year and the current fleet has proved to be very reliable in this role. 

For those who travel as visitors to Orkney and Shetland it is a fascinating journey to two distinctive island groups, both fiercely independent in their own way from each other and from mainland Scotland, with each island in each group offering its own charm and individual experience.

In this edition, Captain Willie Mackay, an Orcadian by birth, describes the journey as a master from Aberdeen to Lerwick, via Kirkwall. Also, we bring the history of the 'North Boats' up to date. We hope that this updated and revised edition provides a fascinating read for everyone who has a passion for the Northern Isles and for the ships that have served them today and in the past.