Ahead of the expected UK Parliament general election, Orkney and Shetland residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.

I declare that the result of the Orkney Islands Council Local Government By-Election in the Stromness & South Isles Ward is as follows:

There's just over one week to go until voters in Stromness and the South Isles head to the polls in a by-election.  

The seat is vacant following the retirement of James Stockan and two candidates have put themselves forward for election. 

Postal voting packs for the forthcoming by-election in Stromness and the South Isles will start hitting door mats in the ward from next week (week beginning March 18). 

The deadline for applying for a new postal vote – or making changes to an existing postal or proxy vote - is 5.00pm on Wednesday 13 March.

Two candidates have put themselves forward for the vacant seat in the Stromness and South Isles by-election.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 28 March, with the names on the ballot paper being Janette Park and Magnus Thomson.