Driverless vehicles could shuttle passengers to Kirkwall Airport

Driverless vehicles could be used to provide a shuttle service between Kirkwall's airport and harbour.

Ahead of a proposed trial, Orkney residents have been offered the chance to ride in a self-driving Auto-Pod in the town's Crossie Crown Place on 9-10 February.

The project is being led by Urban Foresight and supported by Aurrigo and regional transport body Hitrans.

According to the project team, 90% of airport journeys are made by private car with more than 160,000 passengers driving annually.

The Autolink Feasibility Study is investigating whether autonomous vehicles could help increase accessibility and mobility on the islands while cutting emissions.

Local residents, businesses, and transport operators have been encouraged to engage with the project.

Callum White, head of zero emission mobility at Urban Foresight, said next week's event would provide an opportunity for locals to experience the self-driving vehicle up close.

He said: "It gives people the chance to ask questions, see how the vehicle operates, and share their views in a way that directly influences how autonomous mobility could work in rural areas."

The study is part of the £150m Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme funded by UK government and is being delivered by Zenzic in partnership with Innovate UK.