Orkney Matters consultation moves on to virtual community meetings

Following a fantastic response to the Orkney Matters – Your Place, Your Future consultation, it’s time to move on to the next stage of virtual community meetings.

Eleven sessions are planned covering all areas of Orkney, kicking off at 7pm on Monday 10 January with Flotta, Graemsay, Hoy and Walls. Community Councils, Development Trusts and other community groups will be invited to participate, and members of the public can attend too. To book a place email communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk with which meeting you would like to attend and your email contact to be used.

During the sessions, key members of those involved in the consultation will be on hand to outline the story so far, to answer questions and log feedback.

OIC Planning Manager with Development and Marine Planning, Susan Shearer, said: “Given the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it is important that we hold these meetings virtually to keep everyone safe, however it is important to keep the momentum going in regards to the Orkney Matters consultation. There will be a number of consultation partners present from the Council, LEADER and Voluntary Action Orkney to listen to the views of participants.

“The aim of the meetings is to consider the initial questionnaire data, ask about community projects and ideas and discuss community empowerment and place plans. So far comments have noted concerns over digital connectivity, how we have all enjoyed Orkney’s outdoor spaces during the pandemic but have found periods of lockdown challenging. There is concern raised over housing, ferries and community facilities. This next stage will allow us to find out more.

“We welcome all community members to come along, whether individuals, members of clubs, charities, committees; your input is needed.”

The series of meetings follow on from the short and easy-to-complete questionnaire which has attracted around 1,000 responses to date, but there’s still time to share your views until the end of January by logging on to www.orkney.gov.uk/matters or paper copies are available on request. Leave your contact details and you will be entered into a draw to win a £100 local voucher.

Susan continued: “We have received a broad range of responses and ideas from all areas, particularly those in the isles, and would like to encourage more folk from the Mainland to get in touch. With financial assistance from the Scottish Government Rural Communities Testing Change Fund, other elements of the consultation have been targeted at young people in Orkney and groups that we consider to be ‘lesser heard’. This work is being completed with assistance from the Pier Art Centre and the Education Team at the Council.

“We would encourage people in their community to attend and have their say on what is important to them so that future plans and actions are guided by those who know their community best.”

The virtual meeting timetable is as follows – to participate please email communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk. The meetings will start at 7pm and will run until 8.30pm over Teams.

 If you have any questions, please email the consultation team at orkneymatters@orkney.gov.uk.