The company is one of only two major vehicle ferry operators plying within Scotland which are not subsidised by the Scottish Government or local authorities.

An earlier attempt to operate the short sea crossing between Caithness and Orkney had been abandoned in 1989, mainly because of the exposed conditions at Gills Bay.

[citation needed] The original ferry, former Caledonian MacBrayne vessel MV Iona, was purchased in October 1997 and renamed Pentalina-B.

After another attempt at starting up the Orkney to Invergordon route fell through,[2][3] the vessel was put to work during the winter season in place of Pentalina-B.

Due to the short sailing time the vessels have a cafeteria for meals and refreshments[citation needed], but no cabin accommodation.