Use of Shetland and Orkney Ferries

[russell.matthews]

I’m planning a Road trip next Summer to Orkney and Shetland and wondered if anyone had experience and advice regarding use of the Ferries in particular getting on and off. I’m also planning to use the smaller ferries to go to Yell and Unst.
My car is a 991.2 GTS with the nose lift option.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Russell

 

[marc_tt]

We've done the mainland to Lerwick ferry and it's a regular roll on roll off ferry and plenty of clearance.

For small ferries we've done the 'landing craft' type in the Outer Hebrides and the ferry staff brought out additional ramps for low clearance vehicle (see photo) and worked fine.

The staff said they have the additional ramps as need them for the old VW camper buses.

Thinking, you should be able to see photos of the ferry types on the web and phone the ferry company and ask about carrying a low clearance car.

Hope this helps

 

[russell.matthews]

We've done the mainland to Lerwick ferry and it's a regular roll on roll off ferry and plenty of clearance.

For small ferries we've done the 'landing craft' type in the Outer Hebrides and the ferry staff brought out additional ramps for low clearance vehicle (see photo) and worked fine.

The staff said they have the additional ramps as need them for the old VW camper buses.

Thinking, you should be able to see photos of the ferry types on the web and phone the ferry company and ask about carrying a low clearance car.

Hope this helps

Hi
Thank you very much for your reply, that's really helpful
I didn't know it was also an issue for VW campers.
best regards
Russell

 

[Ernest_1969]

Hi Russell,

I Know you will have a fantastic time in Shetland! We certainly did in 2024 when we went.

We also took the ferry to Yell and Unst on a day trip - with no issues. Our friend came along with their Cayman GTS which at the time was slightly lowered I think. He had no issues and needed no assistance.

Do reach out if you'd like any recommendations on what to see and do.

Happy travels!
Caitlin


Picture of us waiting to board the ferry to Unst.


The Boxster and Cayman overlooking St Ninians Bay

 

[russell.matthews]

Hi Caitlin,
Many thanks for that it’s good to know it should all go smoothly.
Photos look great, might take you up on your offer a bit nearer the time
Kind regards Russell

 

[wiley_coyote]

What a good, helpful post - thank you all and great pic’s. I was just idly looking at ferry options for Orkney after doing the NC500 this year and thought, ‘why not do Scrabster - Orkney - Shetland - Aberdeen’. Then I wondered if anyone else had done this with their Porsche and ended up here!

Enjoy planning your trip @russell.matthews - please share progress/results!

 

[russell.matthews]

What a good, helpful post - thank you all and great pic’s. I was just idly looking at ferry options for Orkney after doing the NC500 this year and thought, ‘why not do Scrabster - Orkney - Shetland - Aberdeen’. Then I wondered if anyone else had done this with their Porsche and ended up here!

Enjoy planning your trip @russell.matthews - please share progress/results!

Hi
I certainly will!
Thanks