Shetland-based firm Malakoff secured the work through a competitive tendering process. The project will renew ageing equipment to support reliable operations at key island piers.

Planned works include replacing control cabins, installing new control systems and fitting new hydraulic cylinders at Eday Pier, Loth Pier in Sanday, Whitehall Pier in Stronsay and Rapness Pier in Westray.

Approved through the Council's Capital Project Appraisal in November last year, the scheme aims to improve the efficiency of berthing operations and protect lifeline ferry services to the North Isles.

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The programme is scheduled to start in December 2026 and complete by March 2027. Funding will come from the Council's Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Fund.

Councillor Mellissa Thomson, who represents the North Isles and chairs the Orkney Ferries Board, said: "The control infrastructure that sits around our isles linkspans are critical assets which at 35 years old are in poor condition and reaching the end of their operational life. Their replacement is vital to continued lifeline ferry operations and I am pleased to see that the work will get underway this year following contract award."

Works are expected to take around two weeks at each site, with the proposed timetable as follows:

- Eday – December 2026

- Loth – January 2027

- Stronsay – February 2027

- Rapness – March 2027