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Customers travelling to and from Orkney and Shetland using public transport can now benefit from new, convenient integrated tickets.

Train operator First ScotRail, in conjunction with NorthLink Ferries Ltd and Rapsons Coaches, has created two new flexible 'Through Tickets' which combine rail, ferry and bus travel in one ticket - helping to create a more seamless overall journey.

Customers can now travel by train to Aberdeen and then on by ferry to Kirkwall or travel by train to Thurso, catch a bus to Scrabster Pier and then take a ferry to Stromness. At Stromness, there is also an option to take a bus on to Kirkwall.

The tickets are supported by HITRANS - the regional transport partnership body for the Highlands and Islands.

Peter Williams, commercial director at First ScotRail, said: "Integrated travel is high on our agenda and we are delighted to have been able to deliver these Through Tickets in conjunction with our industry partners. I am confident they will be well received by those already using the routes as well as encouraging more people to travel."

Ranald Robertson of HITRANS also welcomed the new tickets. He said: "The Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Strategy identifies the benefits that integrated ticketing offers passengers, so we are delighted to see the progress being made by the partners in this exciting project. If this initiative goes well this will give passengers and operators greater confidence to extend through tickets to other routes where the need is also great."

Gareth Crichton of NorthLink Ferries Ltd, added: "Linking the Far North line and the Scrabster-Stromness ferry route brings together two of Scotland's most scenic journeys and with the new ticketing options through Aberdeen, the Northern Isles have never been more accessible."

Alisdair Goodall of Rapsons Coaches, commented: "Rapsons Coaches are delighted to play a part in getting integrated ticketing up and running in the Highlands and Islands. We are sure our customers will welcome this ticket which makes travel to and from Orkney that bit more seamless"