From 9 July Ember Bus are starting a new 4x a day bus from Inverness to Scrabster ferry terminal for the day ferries to Orkney.
This is in addition to the existing Stagecoach/Citylink route, and is a lot cheaper.
All intermediate stops are request only to speed up the service - that includes Thurso and Wick.
The first bus from Inverness is at 0430, giving a lunchtime arrival in Orkney.