New £2 Bus Fare Cap Opens Up Orkney and Highlands for Exploration
A new bus fare cap in the Highlands, Orkney, and Moray regions of Scotland has made travel across this scenic area more affordable, with no single journey costing more than £2 until March 2026. This change significantly reduces travel costs compared to previous fares, such as the £28 single fare from Inverness to Scrabster on the north coast.
The capped fare encourages visitors and locals alike to explore the stunning landscapes and historic sites of the archipelago and surrounding areas, including Orkney’s neolithic heritage and coastal beauty.
Why this matters
The fare cap makes public transport more accessible and affordable, promoting sustainable tourism and local travel. It allows easier access to important cultural and natural sites without the need for a car, supporting environmental goals and local economies. Visitors can now enjoy extended journeys through diverse landscapes for a fraction of previous costs.
Key developments
- The £2 fare cap applies to all bus journeys in Orkney, Highland, and Moray regions until March 2026.
- Bus X99 offers a 111-mile, 3½-hour scenic route from Inverness to Scrabster for just £2, down from £28.
- Bus services are timed to connect with the Northlink Ferry to Stromness, Orkney’s second largest town.
- Bus X1 runs frequently from April to October, providing access to key sites like the neolithic village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
- Additional routes, such as bus 8S, serve nature reserves and coastal villages, supporting new guided tours.
Exploring Orkney by bus
From Stromness, visitors can easily reach cultural attractions such as the Pier Arts Centre, which features works by Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. The neolithic village of Skara Brae, dating back 5,000 years, is accessible by bus and offers a glimpse into prehistoric life, including preserved stone houses and tools.
The Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness, both free to visit, are reachable by a short walk and bus ride, offering visitors the chance to explore ancient stone circles set between freshwater and saltwater lochs.
Bus routes also connect to St Margaret’s Hope, crossing the Churchill Barriers and passing landmarks like the Italian Chapel on Lamb’s Holm. Local seafood is available at spots like the Loki Seafood Shack near Stromness, where sustainably harvested scallops and fresh fish are served.
Wildlife and nature experiences
Orkney’s coastal cliffs and reserves provide habitat for seabirds such as puffins, wheatears, redshanks, and oystercatchers. The RSPB reserve at Marwick Head is accessible by bus 8S, which aligns with new guided tours focusing on seabird watching during the summer months.
Visitors can also explore the Brough of Birsay via a tidal causeway, observing Viking ruins and diverse birdlife along the coast.
Cultural heritage and museums
Stromness Museum offers exhibits spanning 5,000 years, including neolithic artifacts, Orcadian poetry, and maritime history. Kirkwall, the largest town on Orkney, features St Magnus Cathedral and the Maeshowe chambered cairn, which contains Viking runic graffiti and is accessible by guided tour.
Orkney’s distilleries, including Highland Park, Scapa, and the newer Orkney Distillery, provide tours and tastings, with the latter producing gin and preparing to release its first single malt whisky in 2027.
Travel and accommodation
The bus services are operated by Ember, the world’s first all-electric intercity bus company, offering wifi and charging points. The ferry from Scrabster to Stromness is timed to connect with bus services, facilitating seamless travel.
Accommodation options include cottages near ferry ports and local inns such as the Ferry Inn in Scrabster. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences in Inverness before or after their journey, including the Inverness Castle Experience and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
