Northlink into Kirkwall - logistics

A car is probably out of the question, but you could always ask.
I have heard, true or not, that they will deliver a car in working hours and leave the keys with terminal staff. Who knows, worth asking.
There is a ferry connector bus, the X10 which runs through town then onto Stromness, mainly for B and B guests on the Scrabster ferry, but open to anyone else.
The ferry terminal closes after the ferry has left, so sleeping there is out of the question. So much so that if the ferry is significantly delayed by weather the call is either cancelled or deferred to about 6am. I've had both events happen to me, Shetland bound.
One time we couldn't cross the Aberdeen Bar until about 2300 due to surf so just went slowly North with a nearly 7am arrival then a very high speed dash to Lerwick.
I am sure the inter island terminal is open all night (!!)- it has been when I've wandered down after midnight.
I've always arrived mid evening into Stromness then caught the ferry connector bus into Kirkwall and not had issues with a 10pm arrival. I do guesthouses (self catering once), not hotels. So I can't imagine that if a hotel knows you are on the late boat they won't stay open for you.

Jjgurley, you might find some ideas on this thread. Scroll down towards the bottom for better information.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186563-i2335-k14534327-Arriving_late_on_Aberdeen_ferry_how_to_get_to_lodging-Orkney_Islands_Scotland.html

I've got a list of the taxi companies from if you decide you want to book one. I'm out and about and don't have it at my fingertips but can get it later if you'd like it.

BTW, it's always best to book a taxi in Orkney. I did not when I flew in to Kirkwall in 2023 and finally had to get a taxi driver who was picking up someone else to call his company for me as no one was answering their phones, lol.

I've already had the "no taxis to be had" problem at KOI. I'll think we'll take a miss on the Northlink headaches. My wife gets seasick pretty easily. Just checking all the options for next years trip.

Have you tried emailing Kirkwal Information Centre and asked them for advice on this? I know my experience is twenty years old now, but then accommodation providers were very aware of the issue of people arriving by Northlink ferry that late at night. You won't be the only one, and there must be some way round this.......

Nor do you have to take a taxi or hire car from Kirkwall airport into town. There is a half hourly dedicated bus link, which runs late enough to connect with all scheduled flights.
It at least used to be the case that the last bus waited for a late flight. The last flights can't run too late as the airport has a night curfew, the same as on Shetland.
The less frequent Deerness bus also calls into the airport.
It is amusing to see on another current thread observations about late night noise from the bars at the hotels. If the bars at the hotels are open then they will also be open to receive guests.