A new study will trial self-driving, zero-emissions shuttles on Orkney island, offering residents the opportunity to travel on driverless vehicles.

The Kirkwall AutoLink trial will transport passengers between Kirkwall Harbour and Kirkwall Airport in Orkney via self-driving Auto-Pods in an effort to enhance travel and decrease carbon emissions.

Kirkwall Airport handles 160,000 passengers annually, but most transfers from the airport still rely on private cars, putting pressure on local infrastructure and the environment.

In continuing work with Urban Foresight, the new trial will see autonomous vehicles from manufacturer Aurrigo traverse the approved link.

The project will investigate if a self-driving, zero-emission vehicle could safely and responsibly improve connectivity between the harbour and the airport in Kirkwall.

Residents showed caution and curiosity in the early research into the study, and the upcoming demonstrator event, featuring a small Auto-Pod, will allow residents to see the vehicles in action and understand how they work.

“This demonstrator event is an exciting opportunity for Orkney to experience autonomous technology up close,” Callum White, head of zero emission mobility at Urban Foresight, 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.”

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Richard Fairchild, chief operations officer at Aurrigo, added: “We’re proud to bring our autonomous pod to Orkney and demonstrate how this technology can operate safely and effectively in remote settings. Engagement events such as this are crucial for building trust and shaping the future of autonomous transport.”

The trial will take place as part of the Feasibility Studies Competition that is a part of the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme, a UK government initiative delivered by Zenzic.

The trial will take place on 9-10 February 2026, and will seek feedback from participants to support future decisions on the design, regulation, and deployment of the autonomous shuttles.