St Margaret's Hope Pier

Walking along the edge of the field high above Pier Road, we had a good view of the ferry arriving this evening.

Hustle and bustle at the pier, for a short spell at least.
A few folk waiting to meet travellers as they disembark. The bus, which takes passengers across the barriers to the Orkney mainland.

As it gets nearer, the catamaran, Alfred, looks massive and completely out of proportion to the pier, but the vessel is skilfully reversed in and in no time the ramp is being lowered and vehicles drive off. Over 40 this evening, including more than half a dozen works vans and a couple of camper vans.

In the extra - another sign of the tourist season picking up: camper vans and caravans at the Sands o' Wright. It's a really good spot for campers with level parking above the beach and public toilets just across the road. About a dozen folk on the beach too - that's officially 'crowded'.