To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Pentland Ferries held a black-tie event in Kirkwall Grammar School last weekend (Saturday 9 May). Staff and crew were joined by suppliers, customers, family and friends for an inspirational talk by Chris Lemons, the deep sea diver who cheated death, followed by a gala dinner, live charity auction, and dance.
Fundraising at the event, together with an online auction, has raised more than £15,000 – and still counting – for two Scottish maritime charities.
Funds raised will support the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and the Sailors’ Orphan Society of Scotland, both of which provide valuable support to members of the maritime community.
The online auction, which ran from 3 to 10 May, attracted strong support from suppliers and customers, with bidders competing for a wide range of prizes including a year’s free travel with Pentland Ferries, hospitality and visitor experiences, golfing packages, short breaks and rare whiskies.
Many of the prizes were donated by local businesses, partners and supporters, helping to boost the total raised.
Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said, “Celebrating 25 years of service was the perfect opportunity not only to reflect on the company’s journey, but also to give something back through supporting two charities with close links to the maritime sector.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown through the auction and wider fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, placed bids, shared the auction and contributed in any way. The support received has been fantastic.”
Speaking at the event, director of Pentland Ferries, Kathryn Banks said, “It has been a long journey but it all comes back to the fact that as a family we love the company, we love what we are doing, and we are so grateful to our employees and customers for helping us to reach this major milestone.
“Having grown up in the business since I was a young teen, it’s a really special thing, one that few people will have the good fortune to experience. To come through a family business from a child and manage to celebrate where we are today at 25 years is such a privilege.”
Since launching in May 2001, Pentland Ferries has provided a vital transport link between Caithness and Orkney, with the company marking its silver anniversary milestone throughout the year. Established in 2001 by Andrew Banks, the independent operator has grown from a single-vessel start-up into a key regional operator, developing ferry operations, fleet investment, and infrastructure on one of the UK’s most challenging maritime routes.
Pentland Ferries entered the market without public subsidy, building and operating its own terminals at Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope to support a shorter crossing between Caithness and Orkney.
The service commenced on 3 May 2001, when MV Pentalina B completed its first crossing carrying 12 passengers and five cars. Early uptake from both passengers and commercial operators demonstrated demand for additional capacity and route flexibility.
A step change in operations came in 2009 with the introduction of the purpose-built catamaran, MV Pentalina, increasing capacity and improving passenger comfort. The vessel supported sustained traffic growth, with passenger numbers rising significantly in the years following entry into service and stabilising at approximately 150,000 annually.
In 2019, the company expanded its capacity again with the introduction of MV Alfred. Around 30 per cent larger than its predecessor, the vessel can accommodate up to 98 cars, 12 HGV trailers and 450 passengers.
Designed with efficiency in mind, MV Alfred delivers significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared with conventional tonnage operating on Scottish island routes, aligning with increasing regulatory and environmental expectations across the sector.
The vessel received international recognition, winning in its category at the International Cruise and Ferry Ship of the Year Awards. Pentland Ferries also became the first UK ferry operator to achieve Green Tourism certification in 2020.
Over 25 years, Pentland Ferries has maintained service continuity while operating in a fully commercial environment alongside a publicly funded competitor.
The company remains privately owned and family-influenced, with founder Andrew Banks now serving as Chairman. In 2022, Helen Inkster was appointed Managing Director, overseeing a period of operational complexity, including vessel deployment changes and commercial adjustments.
In recent years, MV Pentalina has returned to service on the Pentland Firth route, while the MV Alfred is on charter to CalMac Ferries, providing resilience on Scotland’s Clyde and Hebrides network.
In 2024, Pentland Ferries received Highland Business Awards for both Positive Environmental Impact and Highland Business of the Year, reflecting its dual focus on commercial performance and sustainability.
For more information visit https://pentlandferries.co.uk