Orkney Islands Council

At Orkney Islands Council, we are the local democratic authority responsible for providing public services, infrastructure management, community welfare, and strategic development across the Orkney archipelago in Scotland. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for Orkney residents, protect our unique island environment, and foster a sustainable, thriving local economy.

Who We Are

Operating as a unitary local government council representing the islands of Orkney, our organisation is governed by elected councillors and managed by professional public sector teams. We oversee the administration, public services, and civic responsibilities for local communities spread across mainland Orkney and the outer islands.

What We Do

We deliver an integrated suite of statutory public services, community support, and infrastructural operations:

• Education & Early Learning: Managing primary schools, secondary schools, nurseries, and community-based lifelong learning programs throughout the islands.
• Social Care & Community Wellbeing: Delivering adult social work, children's services, home care, disability support, and community health integration in partnership with NHS Orkney.
• Roads, Transport & Harbours: Maintaining local road networks, public ferry operations, internal air links, and managing world-class municipal harbour and marine infrastructure.
• Planning, Housing & Building Standards: Overseeing local development planning, building warrants, environmental health, trading standards, and housing strategy.
• Waste Management & Environmental Services: Operating recycling centres, refuse collection, coastal protection, and local environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Economic Development & Tourism: Supporting local businesses, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy transition, and tourism growth.

Our Approach & Values

• Island-Centred Collaboration: Prioritising the distinct needs, geographical challenges, and cultural identity of Orkney's island communities in all decision-making.
• Transparency & Democratic Accountability: Ensuring open council governance, public consultation, and accessible community engagement.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Championing renewable energy, carbon reduction, and resilient local infrastructure to secure a sustainable future for the islands.

Industry Role

We operate as a Local Government Authority. Our role is to act as the principal statutory public body for Orkney, delivering essential public services, driving regional development, and supporting community wellbeing.