FREE inter-island ferry travel for people under the age of 22 has been announced by the Scottish Government.
Scots who live within Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides will be able to travel for free on ferries operated by Orkney Ferries, Shetland Islands Council and CalMac, come April 1 this year.
Under the scheme, young island residents are allowed to travel for free as foot passengers on inter-island ferry services within their own local authority area by showing their Young Scot or National Entitlement Card.
Set out in the Islands Connectivity Plan last year, the Scottish Government aims for the scheme to ensure ferry services are affordable and sustainable for young people in a bid to help reduce child poverty by offering free access to education, employment, and social opportunities.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop (below) has hailed the announcement, saying the scheme will help to offer young Scots the “very best chance to succeed in life”.
She said: “This new scheme will enable children and young people to travel for free between islands across their local authority area, improving access to education, employment, training, health and social activities and much more.
“I am pleased that from 1 April, this scheme will give them the same opportunities as free bus travel provides for many children and young people in mainland communities and was a key commitment in the transport budget for 2025-26.
“I also remain committed to extending free ferry travel to more young people on our islands in 2025-26.
“Eradicating child poverty is the single greatest priority of this government and we are committed to giving all of our children and young people the very best chance to succeed in life.”
Free inter-island ferry services have long been supported by Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP), and Na h-Eileanan an Iar representative, Alannah Logue, said the scheme will help open up more opportunities for young islanders.
She said: “Free inter-island ferry travel is something we as young people living on the islands have been campaigning for over the last couple of years and it's really exciting to see it come to fruition.
“This extends the accessibility of the under 22s NEC card to young people who do not rely on buses, but still heavily rely on inter-island ferries as public transport.
“This will make opportunities such as extra curricular activities, social events and youth work services more accessible for young islanders, which is something that is desperately needed in the rural parts of Scotland.”
For more details on how to apply for a Young Scot Card or National Entitlement Card, you can visit www.getyournec.scot or alternatively contact your local council for assistance.
