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Does the Stromness ferry terminal have left luggage?

I will be taking the Stromness to Scrabster ferry in May of 2027, and will be opting to do the B&B stay on the ferry the night before. The terminal opens at 8pm but it looks like check-in is not until 9:30 pm, and I'm going to want to turn my car in before that; possibly the day before.

So is there a place to leave luggage? I was hoping to maybe just keep a small overnight bag with me and drop off a piece of luggage the day before, but if that doesn't work, then I'll figure something out. It looks like there's a regular bus from Kirkwall to Stromness during the day up through around 8:30pm, so if I have to, I'll schlep everything over with me.

Posted by
12378 posts

There used to be, but like in Kirkwall the lockers were run by Visit Orkney. They have closed their offices now (Kirkwall is controversially open on cruise days only again now), so short answer is no.
Both offices used to be thoroughly excellent.

I don't think they will pre load the luggage trolleys (for bigger items) like they do (or did?) at Lerwick and Aberdeen.

So I'm not sure there is an easy solution..

But Lerwick Town Centre office had also closed, now reopened in independent hands.

Posted by
13026 posts

Thanks, Stuart and ramblin on.

I did check on the website and saw where it said it was unavailable (should have mentioned that), but I was hoping someone here might know the backstory. This is helpful. And worst case, if it's not available, then I will figure something out. I pack pretty light, and it's not that difficult to take a suitcase and a personal bag on the bus.

Posted by
4786 posts

Mardee, though the lockers are not available, once the harbourmaster arrives on shift....I think it was about 6 or 7 p.m. then the reception staff will hold the baggage in the harbourmaster's office.
I know there was a couple who must have dropped off their bags in the morning and they were just not available while the office was closed.
If it isn't a huge bag, they may allow it overnight, but that may be a bit of a stretch even for a very accommodating enterprise.
I used Radical Storage a few times in Scotland and it worked out well. I did a quick look and didn't see anything in Stromness...though there are places in Kirkwall.
The Ferry Inn is a 3 minute walk across the road and parking lot from the ferry terminal. They may be willing to take the bag overnight.

Posted by
13026 posts

Thanks, Maria, I might try that. I’ll stop in there at some point and ask beforehand. I’ll be on Orkney for 11 nights, so I should have plenty of time to drop in and just check and see what what my options are. And my bag isn’t very big. It’s a 21 inch travel pro carry-on. And it probably won’t be for overnight. I just want someplace to stash it during the day after I check out of my B&B. At any rate, I appreciate the information!

I’m also taking the Aberdeen ferry to Lerwick at the beginning of my journey, but that seems a lot easier as Aberdeen has a baggage storage facility. That will be helpful as I’ll have to check out of my hotel at noon but can’t check in to the ferry until 5 PM. So my plan is to go down and drop my luggage off and then wander around.

I am very excited about the overnight ferry. I know I keep reiterating that, but I really am! 😂

Posted by
12378 posts

By the way there is a letter in this week's Shetland Times about next year's Northlink ferry bookings not being open for booking yet. This is due to the Scottish Government having not yet set the 2027 fare increase.
There is no set or known date for when bookings for the general public will open.

However bookings for tour groups are open as for the 3rd successive year they get preferential treatment, before fares are released. This is a long rumbling row locally, especially in regard to getting cabins on the Aberdeen route, as the tour groups get first choice of those.

It is worth knowing that there is an unofficial cabin sharing Facebook page.

Until Covid same sex sharing was allowed, but hasn't officially restarted since.
So a solo person can end up rattling round in a 2 or 4 berth cabin, while others are left with the pods or reclining seats.

Thus the Facebook page is an attempt to be more equitable.

Posted by
13026 posts

Wow, that’s really good information to have, Stuart. Thanks so much for this. I will try to find that Facebook page, as I don’t mind sharing, especially if it means somebody else doesn’t get a room. But I am a little annoyed that tour groups get first pick.

I’m signed up to get notifications as soon as the bookings open up, so hopefully I’ll be able to book what I need soon.

Posted by
3166 posts

This is a long rumbling row locally, especially in regard to getting cabins on the Aberdeen route, as the tour groups get first choice of those.

Not only do they get first choice, a single person can also be allocated a cabin sleeping four...

Posted by
16 posts

Problem solved. We’re going to ask McDonalds to store our bags and if they won’t, hide them in the hedges. It’s not a high crime area, just a bit concerned about the Mr’s laptop getting wet if it rains.

Posted by
18450 posts

Folks, I'll suggest not responding to posts by newmardee. It's not the long-standing Mardee who has posts earlier in the thread.

Posted by
12378 posts

For the real Mardee,

I have found this left luggage facility in Kirkwall- https://scholidayhomesorkney.simplybook.me/v2/

They also have a facebook page, which confirms that as of 28 June this year they do still exist. It's hard to trace their opening hours but if they close at 5pm say you could then dine in either Kirkwall or Stromness before proceeding to the ship.

TA gave me another lead but that suggestion is now defunct.

Posted by
16 posts

I am the real Mardee! Ffs!!
Thanks, that’s useful!
You might’ve noticed no replies from the other account 🤣