The mv 'St Ola' was the regular ferry between Scrabster in Scotland and Stromness on the mainland of Orkney. In this picture, she is lying at the pier on Stromness, watched by the photographer's father. The ship is dressed overall with flags to celebrate a holiday as is the mv 'St Clement' on the other side of the pier. The latter is providing extra capacity for cars.
Prior to the introduction of roll-on roll-off ferries, cars to and from Orkney were lifted aboard the ferry at Stromness by derrick. The picture shows an MG Magnette being loaded with a Vauxhall Viva awaiting its turn. The ship is the mv 'St Clement'. Cars were usually carried on the passenger ship 'St Ola', but this was a holiday and extra capacity was needed.
