OIC’s Neil and Sarah Taylor are named Orkney “Local Heroes”

Council employees Neil and Sarah Taylor have been named Orkney “Local Heroes” for the contribution they made to the community by operating a soup kitchen during the pandemic for those in need.

Neil and Sarah Taylor, who also run the Hamnavoe Restaurant in Stromness, were overwhelmed with the announcement last week by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur. Mr McArthur, along with other MSPs across Scotland, was given the task of selecting a Local Hero from their constituency to attend the formal opening the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament in October.

Neil and Sarah made an extraordinary contribution to supporting the wider Orkney community during the pandemic, operating a soup kitchen from their restaurant that served thousands of meals to those in need, while balancing work commitments.

In the nominations received for them, members of the Orkney public said: "They decided to give their money, time and a lot of effort, into making sure people in the community were looked after.

"There is quite possibly some people in the community that just wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Neil and Sarah delivering soup to them."

Neil and Sarah said: “This has come as a huge shock to us and a bolt from the blue. We did find out until recently that we had been shortlisted, but it never crossed our minds that we would win – we thought there were bound to be far more deserving folk out there.

“It has been really humbling and overwhelming and we have received messages from friends and family all over the world. We have also got lot of feedback from folk saying how much their mum and dad or relative, friends appreciated the soup and that’s what has made it all the more special.

“Our only regret is that our parents are not here to witness it as we both know how proud they would be.”

The idea came about in March 2020, days before the first lockdown was announced as the couple had believed they would need to prepare – uppermost in their minds was the most vulnerable in the community.

“We believed something serious was going to happen, so we put the feelers out and approached Wilson’s Wholesalers in Stromness who agreed to help by donating perishable items to allow us to make the soup which was fantastic. Others have also helped such as Isbister’s, Flett’s the Butcher, the Stenness Garage and the Ferry Inn. As we have the restaurant, we already had takeaway containers and the equipment, so it was straightforward to get going. We knew who many who would benefit and with a little advertising and word of mouth it, it just took off from there.”

The couple ran the soup kitchen for over a year – initially daily, then reducing to three times a week.

“The community also rallied, folk gave us donations and offered to deliver the soup where it needed to go and for that we must thank them all. We are also grateful as doing this also gave us a purpose and kept us going. Our daughter Savannah also helped out. We really did enjoy doing this so much and the community rallied together to help each other!”

Announcing his decision, Mr McArthur said: "All those nominated have proved themselves to be local heroes. They have shown our community at its best and made a real difference to lives of others at a challenging time for so many. It has made the task of choosing a single candidate horrendously difficult.

"I am delighted, however, to announce that I have chosen Neil and Sarah Taylor as Orkney Local Heroes. Turning their Hamnavoe Restaurant into a soup kitchen at the start of the pandemic was inspired and allowed the couple, with the support of family and friends, to provide an invaluable service to many older and vulnerable members of the community in and around Stromness. At the same time, Neil continued to work at Hamnavoe House while Sarah re-registered as an auxiliary nurse.

“Arrangements for the formal opening of this parliamentary session are still under discussion, although it has been confirmed that Her Majesty The Queen will attend. I look forward to welcoming Neil, Sarah and local heroes from across Scotland to Edinburgh for what promises to be a very special Opening Ceremony in October.

"Meantime, I’d like to thank everyone who sent in nominations. It really was difficult and I will be writing to each of those nominated to thank them for their incredible contribution to our community.”

Asked if Sarah, who is a lifeguard and swimming instructor at Stromness Swimming Pool and an auxiliary nurse, is planning a new dress and hat for meeting HM The Queen, she said: “I’ve not even thought that far ahead yet. I will be very nervous, but it will be lovely.”

OIC interim Chief Executive John Mundell said: “We are incredibly proud of our staff here at the Council – and this is a shining example of why. Despite their ‘day jobs’ Neil and Sarah put others before themselves and we remain grateful not only for the work they do as Council employees but for their community spirit which continues to make Orkney the fantastic place it is. A well-deserved ‘Local Hero’ recognition.”

Council Leader Councillor James Stockan, a fellow Stromnessian, said: “It is stories such as these that we all want to read – people within our communities working together for the benefit of all. Neil and Sarah are well known in Stromness for their community efforts, and this is a superb example.”