Ferry travel to & around Scotland

Scotland has one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the world. And ferry travel from the mainland to the wondrous Western Isles, and to the great northerly outposts of Orkney and Shetland with their fabulous history, heritage and scenic splendour, allows you to enjoy some of the most sensational sailing and sea travel in sheltered waters anywhere in Western Europe. ‘Island hopping’ as it is affectionately known, is now a pastime among many regular seasoned, savvy travellers to Scotland and can add a whole new dimension to short breaks and holidays in Scotland.

And you can travel by sea to Scotland too. The recent demise of the Rosyth Superfast Ferry link from Western Europe was a blow – but it may well be replaced – so for now Newcastle and Hull tend to be the main inbound points for Western Europeans travelling to Scotland for short breaks and holidays. There are superb ferry links between Scotland and Ireland with regular ferry crossings from Belfast and Larne to the ports of Stranraer, Cairnryan and Troon in South West Scotland.

Virtually all our ferries welcome cars and pets!! Making it so easy to mix sensational car touring in Scotland with some quite memorable short sea crossings to our much loved Scottish islands.

While in some cases, especially in quieter seasons, you can simply ‘turn up’ at a ferry port – it is really advisable that you always book ferry travel to or around Scotland in advance.

Scotland Ferry Companies

www.calmac.co.uk –ferry travel form Scottish mainland to the islands
www.northlinkferries.co.uk – ferries from Scottish mainland to Orkney and Shetland
www.stenaline.co.uk – ferries from Ireland to Stranraer
www.poirishsea.com - ferries from Ireland to Troon and Cairnryan