Orkney’s first look at zero‑emission autonomous travel

Autonomous mobility has moved from concept to reality, and Orkney demonstrated recently what the future of rural transport could looked like. As part of the Kirkwall AutoLink  project being led by Urban Foresight with partners Aurrigo and HITRANS, a demonstrator event was hosted allowing residents to experience autonomous technology first‑hand in a safe and controlled setting.

The event built on growing momentum in Orkney, where the AutoLink project is investigating whether a self‑driving, zero‑emission vehicle could improve connectivity between Kirkwall Harbour and Kirkwall Airport. With more than 160,000 passengers annually and 90% of airport journeys currently made by private car, autonomous vehicles offer a new opportunity to cut emissions, increase accessibility, and strengthen local mobility.

The demonstrator event, which featured a small Auto-Pod, responded directly to early insights, which highlighted both curiosity and caution among residents. This showcase was designed as a learning exercise, and allowed participants to not only observe the self-driving Auto-Pod in action but to understand how the systems work. Attendees also shared their thoughts and feedback, to help inform future transport planning and decision making in Orkney.

Callum White, Head of Zero Emission Mobility at Urban Foresight, commented: “This demonstrator event was an exciting opportunity for Orkney to experience autonomous technology up close. It gave people the chance to ask questions, see how the vehicle operated, and share their views in a way that directly influences how autonomous mobility could work in rural areas.”

The exercise:

• Provided members of the public the opportunity to see and experience first-hand self-driving vehicles.
• Allowed users to share their views on the technology.
• Supported future decisions on trial design, regulatory readiness, and potential deployment of both Auto-Pods and larger shuttle buses.

Strengthening the case for greener rural mobility

Beyond showcasing the technology, the study aimed to combine detailed feasibility assessments with active community engagement to ensure the shuttle service is shaped by local needs.

The study draws on extensive local engagement with residents, businesses, and transport operators, ensuring community needs directly shape the future of autonomous mobility in Orkney.

Kirkwall Autolink is part of CCAV’s CAM Pathfinder Programme, funded by UK Government. The CAM Pathfinder Programme, as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, a joint unit between the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.