The lifeline ferry service linking Shetland to the Scottish mainland is a vital part of life in the islands. Every evening, a passenger ferry departs from Aberdeen, arriving in Lerwick the following morning. Before making the return journey that evening.
The movements of the ferry are part of the fabric of life in the islands, carrying hundreds of passengers, vehicles and goods back and forward.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or an occasional visitor to our beautiful islands, you will have relied on the boat one way or another. And now the Ferries Directorate of Transport Scotland is gathering users' views, to inform planning for the future of the Lerwick-Aberdeen route.
The Scottish Government agency is gathering opinions on the Northern Isles Ferry Service (NIFS) between November 2025 and January 2026.
Ferries Policy Officer Katie Calderwood explains, "These route-specific user surveys form a key part of the Northern Isles Community Needs Assessments, which will play a central role in delivering the Islands Connectivity Plan. Its purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of the travel needs of individuals who use NorthLink services – including where, why, and how they travel.
"The insights gathered through these surveys, alongside other engagement activities, will directly inform the future design of ferry routes and services, support vessel and port development projects, and enhance integration with active, public, and shared transport options."
Its purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of the travel needs of individuals who use NorthLink services – including where, why, and how they travel.
The questions for anyone who has used the Aberdeen-Lerwick route (including via Kirkwall) during that period are available at the links below.
Aberdeen to Lerwick via Kirkwall route
Aberdeen to Lerwick via Kirkwall route, for individuals under the age of 16 years old
Future services
The Islands Connectivity Plan sets out how ferry services will be "delivered, and strengthened" in line with the priorities Shetland's communities.
The consultation is part of that and will help guide Transport Scotland as plans for the next NIFS contrat are developed.
They wish to hear from those who have used NorthLink Ferries in the last 12 months, and are keen to gather views from people who have travelled at all times of the year.