The crossing operates from Laxo on Mainland, a few miles east of Voe, and occasionally in adverse weather conditions from Vidlin (showen on route map), which disrupts the timetable. At the Whalsay end, the ferries dock in the bustling Symbister Harbour, now home to some of Europe's largest fishing vessels.

Prior to the early 1970's passengers and goods had been carried by a mixture of methods around the islands. This usually consisted of either the mainland steamer calling by, private charters or local fishing boats collecting from mainland Shetland. This system however was beginning to become overwhelmed and a hindrance to the islands survival. A visit to Norway by an Advisory Panel of the Highlands and Islands in 1961 observed a system similar to what would be needed. Mr K H Oppegård of Møre and Romsdal Fylke visited Shetland and made a report on behalf of Zetland County Council on what would be needed. From what they had seen in Norway they believed the introduction of vehicle ferries could do more to offset the disadvantages of life in the Outer Isles than any other single amenity that was ever likely to be provided.

Initially five new ferries were ordered of a type very similar to ones being used in Norway such as the Rovdehorn, which made a trial visit using temporary link spans. These vessels ordered were named Fivla, Geira, Grima, Fylga, and Thora. Initially Fylga was used for the new Laxo - Symbister link, a crossing of 30 minuets, followed by the Thora later on. Also a large pier and link span building program had to be started.

It was clear however that traffic was continuing to build through the success of the new car ferries and in 1980 an aging former Norwegian ferry Kjella was bought to increase the Whalsay service. Further still the smaller Fylga was marked for upgrading and duly in 1982 the Hendra arrived on the scene having been purpose built for the route.

The twenty first century saw the introduction of newer ferries to replace the original ferries now approaching thirty years old or more. The first was the Linga, which entered service on the Whalsay route in May 2002, to replace the Thora, which was utilised as a reserve vessel together with the Grima.

The ferry service to Whalsay now is a frequent one, with some 17 sailings each way, six days per week, and a few less on Sundays.

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Rovdehorn