Council Convener Pays Tribute as Leader Awarded MBE for Services to Local Government

Orkney Islands Council's Convener Graham Bevan has paid tribute to the Council's Leader, James Stockan, who has been awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours list.

James has been honoured for his service to local government.

Councillor Bevan said: "James is a consummate politician who passionately cares about Orkney, its people and the communities he serves. He describes his role as a Councillor as the interface between the community and the Council, to help deliver community benefit and excellent services for his constituents - and this is where he excels.

"He has made an outstanding contribution to the local authority and public life - evident through his reputation as a man who gets things done and the strong relationships he has built with fellow councillors, officers, partner organisations, community groups and decision makers at all levels.

"In the halls of Westminster and Holyrood James he has a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Placing our community and the future of our islands at the heart of everything he does, he works tirelessly and with boundless energy and enthusiasm to secure the best possible outcome for Orkney, chasing after every opportunity available."

Councillor Bevan particularly highlighted the role James played, as Orkney faced the impacts of Covid and lockdown in 2020.

"In March 2020, like other political leaders across the UK, James was faced with the enormity of the challenge of leading the Council and the community through the devastating impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic. Orkney, due to its island location, was effectively cut off from the rest of Scotland - and our islands cut off from each other - due to the need for essential travel only - which brought with it a host of additional challenges.

"James absolutely stepped up to the mark – listening to the local community – he led his fellow councillors and the officer team in swiftly identifying critical issues and coming up with solutions for how Orkney might deal with these, including a food voucher scheme for the non-linked islands, a £5m Business Support Fund and a £300k third sector fund

"James' tireless work, vision, focus, prioritisation and clear understanding of specific island challenges undoubtedly helped Orkney's economy to survive and in some cases, thrive through an unprecedented crisis. This - we must not forget - was all done remotely, a personally difficult situation for a personable Political Leader who thrives on the company of others and the energy of a room full of people.

"James never forgets though that first and foremost he is a local councillor and constantly engages with the local community, working hard to solve the smallest of local issues with warmth and respect for his constituents. He genuinely cares about Council staff and their welfare.  He is well respected and liked and regularly spends time with staff at all levels.

"Through all of this, he skilfully leads an elected member group of 21 very different people, accommodating often vastly differing views and opinions, in order to identify common ground and ensure that the council works collaboratively to secure the best possible outcomes for the people of Orkney."