Government expands free ferry travel voucher scheme to 19-21-year-olds

A scheme to allow young islanders to travel to the mainland for free has been expanded.

From June 23, those aged 19-21 will be able make four single or two return journeys from their home island to the mainland for free.

The vouchers will be open to residents in Orkney, Shetland, the Outer Hebrides, islands in North Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute and Highland Council areas. The scheme currently supports young people aged 16-18 and full-time volunteers up to 25.

It follows the introduction of free, inter-island, ferry travel for all island residents under the age of 22 within Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I welcome the extension of concessionary ferry travel vouchers which will support even more young people to sustainably access work, connect with family and friends, and experience new opportunities which they may otherwise not have access to.

“This Government is committed to growing the economy and supporting all our young people with the very best chance to succeed in life.

“We know bus, ferry and rail services provide vital connectivity to employment, education and training opportunities, and the offer of concessionary and discounted journeys makes it more affordable to access these important opportunities.

“We are doing all we can to ensure young people growing up on our islands can access similar opportunities to their peers on mainland Scotland.

“I recognise that many will want us to offer more free ferry travel to and from the mainland and we will keep that under review, but this latest concession is additional to the free bus travel that many young island residents also benefit from.”