TRAVELLING IN SCOTLAND

As Scotland is surrounded on three sides by water and has about 790 islands, of which 130 are inhabited, ferries are a major means of transport. The islands can be divided into two main groups - the Inner and Outer Hebrides (the latter also known as the Western Isles) off the west coast and Orkney and Shetland off the north coast.

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. operate the majority of ferry services on the Firth of Clyde and to the Hebrides, sailing to 23 islands. Most ferries carry vehicles, although some (e.g. to the Small Isles) only convey passengers. The summer timetable runs from mid-April until mid-October (inclusive). A reduced frequency of service operates in the winter. On most services, it is possible to make advance vehicle reservations. This is advisable during the summer and at other peak times.

Caledonian MacBrayne offer two flexible tickets -Island Hopscotch and Island Rovers, enabling visitors to make their own touring and accommodation arrangements.

The Firth of Clyde and Hebrides Island Hopscotch: There are many different ways to see the islands - the Island Hhopscotch is a range of economy fares for cars and accompanying passengers on a selection of pre-planned ferry routes. 24 different routes cover all islands serviced by Caledonian MacBrayne. Tickets are valid for three months from the date of the first journey.

The Island Rovers: This ticket offered by Caledonian MacBrayne is also offered to foot passengers or those with cars, caravans, trailers and motor cycles. There are two types of tickets available; one valid for 8 consecutive days, and one for 15 consecutive days. These allow unlimited travel on Caledonian MacBrayne's ferry services, except to Kilcreggan, Gigha, Lismore, Raasay, Scalpay, and the Small Isles. The purchase of an Island Rover does not automatically ensure vehicle space on a particular sailing, so advance booking is always advisable.

There are also short break fares providing an economical option for 4 day/3 night trips (not valid on certain peak services). For further information on the above, day excursions and inclusive holiday tours, contact:

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., The Ferry Terminal, Gourock, Renfrewshire PA19 1QP .
Tel: +44 (0) 1475 650100 Fax: +44 (0) 1475 637607
Car ferry reservations: Tel: +44 (0) 1475 650000 Fax: +44 (0) 1475 637607

Western Ferries operate services between McInroy's Point (Gourock) and Hunter's Quay (Dunoon) on the Firth of Clyde, and between the islands of Islay and Jura. Contact:
Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd., Head Office, 16 Woodside Gardens, Glasgow, G3 7UT.
Tel: +44 (0) 141 332 9766 Fax: +44 (0) 141 332 0267

Orkney and Shetland P & O Scottish Ferries sail to Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen and Scrabster (Thurso).

Approximate passage times:
Aberdeen to Lerwick - 14 hours
Scrabster to Stromness - 1 hr 50 mins
Aberdeen to Stromness - 10 hours
Stromness to Lerwick - 8 hours

The main crossing from the Scottish mainland to Orkney is from Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness. The main crossing to Shetland is from Aberdeen. Ferries depart Monday - Friday. It is also possible to sail to Shetland via Orkney and this service sails twice weekly in the summer months and once a week in the winter. It is advisable to book in advance on all sailings for cars, and also for passengers from Aberdeen to Lerwick (there is a choice of accommodation available on this overnight sailing). P & O also operate cruises and inclusive holidays to Orkney and Shetland.

Information on all P & O services from:
P & O Scottish Ferries, P O Box 5, Jamieson's Quay, Aberdeen, AB9 8DL
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 572615 Fax: +44 (0) 1224 574411

Orkney Islands Shipping Co. Ltd., operate several of the services between the various Orkney islands.
Information from:

Orkney Islands Shipping Co. Ltd., Head Office, 4 Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1QX
Tel: +44 (0) 1856 872044 Fax: +44 (0) 1856 872921

Shetland Isles Council operate ferry services within Shetland. Shetland Islands Tourism produce a guide, the 'Inter-Shetland Transport Timetable'. This is available for a small charge from:

Shetland Islands Tourism, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU.
Tel: +44 (0) 1595 693434 Fax: +44 (0) 1595 875807

In the case of both Orkney and Shetland, the inter-island services are frequent and comparatively cheap, making island hopping, even with a car, quite straightforward. However, advance booking on occasions and at peak times may be advisable. Please contact the addresses above. In addition to the main ferry operators listed above, there are many small companies which operate regular services, cruises and day trips to a variety of islands and sea lochs. For example, Orkney from John O' Groats, and the Small Isles from Arisaig. Contact Tourist Information Centres or Area Tourist Boards for details.

For further details contact:
John O' Groats Ferries Ltd, Ferry Office, John O' Groats, Caithness KW1 4YR
Tel: +44 (0) 1955 611353. Fax: +44 (0) 1955 611301

There are frequent cross-channel ferries to the south of England, with a good motorway network to Scotland. The UK agent is P&O Scottish Ferries. There are also ferries from Northern Ireland - Stena Line Belfast - Stranraer (several crossings daily 1½ hours). Hoverspeed service (1½ hours) and ferry (3 hours).

Further details from travel agents or:
Stena Line Ballast Quay, Corry Road, Belfast, BT3 9SS
Tel: +44 (0) 1232 88 4090 Fax: +44 (0) 1232 88 4091

P & O European Ferries Larne - Cairnryan (Jetliner - several crossing daily, 1 hour).
Further details from travel agents or directly from:
P & O European Ferries, Larne Harbour, Larne, Co. Antrim BT40 1AQ
Tel: +44 (0) 990 980777. Fax: +44 (0) 1574 270949

Seacat (several crossings daily, 1½ hours). Further details from travel agents or direct from:
Seacat, Seacat Terminal, Donegal Quay, Belfast BT1 3AL
Tel: +44 (0) 1232 313542. Fax: +44 (0) 1232 311801