Waiting to board

Reversing onto the inter-island ferries has to be my least favourite part of island visits. With the ferry in use on the Shapinsay crossing at the moment, the reverse  is particularly steep - down the slip, then up and onto the ferry, with a lump at the top of the ramp, just for an added extra test of your nerve.

This photo records the moment before the ordeal begins. The arriving cars have driven off and the crew are having a bit of a chat before signalling to the row of waiting vehicles - time to come on board.