Can you represent your community? Three community councils seek new members.

Three communities in Orkney will be calling for new members to join their Community Council and help shape their area in coming weeks.

The South Ronaldsay and Burray, Kirkwall and St Ola, and Harry and Sandwick community councils are each seeking new members to join their ranks and represent the interests of those living in their local area.

Public meetings are being held for each area early in 2025, where people can attend in person to stand  for election.

Folk can also signal their intention to stand in writing, to OIC’S Community Councils team, in advance of the public meetings.

South Ronaldsay and Burray Community Council will meet on Wednesday 22 January 2025 at 7:15pm in the Burray Hall to elect three new members.

The following Wednesday, 29 January, Harray and Sandwick Community Council will meet at Milestone Kirk in Dounby at 7.15pm to elect two new members.

Dates for the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council public meeting will be publicised in due course.

There are 20 Community Councils across Orkney which play an important role in local democracy. Community Councillors attend up to six meetings per year, which are expertly supported by paid Clerks to ensure meetings can run efficiently.

Community Councils provide an effective, strong voice within their area and offer sound, local advice on a range of community issues. They are regularly consulted by the Council and other public agencies.

Karen Greaves, OIC’s Corporate Director, Strategy, Performance and Business Solutions said: “Community Councils are a vital grass-roots level link between the Council and our communities – we really do rely on feedback from our communities when it comes to shaping the finer detail of services and policy.

“By seeking and representing these local views, Community Councillors can influence decisions about the provision of local services.

“They’re also widely and regularly consulted by other public agencies too - so in that way a community councillor is really helping shape the whole Orkney community, not just services run by the Council.”

Anyone over 16 and on the current Register of Electors can stand for election, for the area they reside in. You must also be on the Register to propose, second and vote for a candidate.

For more information, or to obtain nomination forms, contact Democratic Services on 01856 873535 ext 2264, email communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk - or download a form at www.orkney.gov.uk/communitycouncils