Accessible route to school study underway in Stromness

A feasibility study is being carried out to identify and explore ways of making Ferry Road in Stromness a more attractive and accessible route for young people walking, wheeling and cycling to school.

The ‘Safer Route to School’ project will be jointly led by Orkney Islands Council and Sustrans and funded by the Scottish Government. 

Ferry Road is already a popular and direct route for parents and children travelling to both Stromness Primary School and Stromness Academy - but concerns have been raised in recent surveys around traffic speed, safe crossing points and gaps in pedestrian provision, particularly for people walking, wheeling and cycling. 

The study will build on the work carried out for the What’s Next for Stromness Local Place Plan and the Stromness Primary School Travel Plan. 

Opportunities highlighted in the School Travel Plan include increasing walking and cycling attractiveness as well as safety and comfort on the journey to school. 

To ensure that any options for route improvements are explored in line with the local place plan and the communities' aspirations, a Community Advisory Group will be formed. This will focus on establishing contact with a diverse range of local stakeholders along with the schools in Stromness.  

Orkney Islands Council Convener and Stromness and South Isles Councillor, Graham Bevan, said: “Improving the Ferry Road area for our youngest pedestrians or cyclists has been a long-held aspiration for the Stromness community – young and old.  

“With a number of other users of the area – including commuters parking for the day, ferry traffic and large delivery vehicles entering the town - it can undoubtedly be challenging navigating the mix of pavements and parking areas on that road.  I’m interested to see what the study comes up with and would encourage the Stromness community to get involved.”  

Beth Woodall, Senior Project Manager, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased to start work with the community on this fantastic project in Stromness, which will help develop fairer, healthier and safer choices for everyday journeys.   

“Our design and engagement process puts people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces, and ensures the work carried out reflects what local voices want and need. 

“In the coming weeks, we’ll be engaging closely with the Stromness community to shape this first phase of the project, digging deeper into the previous work that has been delivered and developing the project in a way that works for everyone.” 

Rebecca Robinson, Head Teacher at Stromness Primary School said: ' I welcome the project. Ferry Road is used by many of our pupils and their families as they travel to Stromness Primary. Improvements to ensure that they can travel to school safely are much needed.  I am delighted that OIC are working together with Sustrans and I shall look forward to future improvements'.”

More information is available via the project website, which can be found at https://stromnessasaferroutetoschool.commonplace.is/

The feasibility study and engagement with the community advisory group will run up until April 2025.

About Sustrans: 

We work for and with communities, helping them come to life by walking, wheeling and cycling to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone.   

Across the UK we involve communities in shaping our towns and cities. Together we campaign for and create spaces where everyone can move around safely and give people the tools and confidence to get out of their cars.   

We inspire people to change the way we all travel every day, forging closer connections with our neighbours and reducing traffic to create a better environment and more sustainable society for everyone.   

Join us on our journey. www.sustrans.org.uk   

Sustrans is a registered charity in England and Wales (number 326550) and Scotland (SC039263). 

Contact details: 

Email: Stromness@sustrans.org.uk 

Tel: 0131 346 1384 and ask for a callback from the A Safer Route to School (Stromness) team