James in the running for Leader of the Year award

Orkney Islands Council’s Political Leader, James Stockan, has been shortlisted as ‘Leader of the Year’ in a national councillor awards scheme.

Running for the 4th year, the LGIU Scotland Awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the contributions councillors make to their local communities.

Competition was extremely tight with nearly 100 nominations received across six categories that celebrate the varied work of councillors across Scotland.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers, as well as leading stakeholders from across the public sector - and revealed at a ceremony taking place in Glasgow in November.

Elected as the Council’s first Political Leader in 2017, James is also Leader of the Independent group of Councillors at COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities).

First elected to Orkney Islands Council in 2003 he served as Chair of Economic Development from 2005 to 2007, Vice Convener from 2007 to May 2012 and Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee 2012 to 2017.  During this period he was also Chair of HiTrans – the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership.

James is shortlisted alongside Cllr Susan Aitken of Glasgow City Council and Cllr Lawrence Fitzpatrick of West Lothian Council.

Interim Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, John Mundell, said: “James is genuinely caring and empathetic person and is committed to providing the best Council services for Orkney folk. 

“He is a dedicated Council Leader who works tirelessly to ensure all local Councillors views are taken into consideration, and to his credit as an independent Member, he promotes and represents the majority view on behalf of the Council whilst never losing sight of those more disadvantaged in our community.

“His selfless approach was epitomised during the early months of the pandemic when he regularly recorded video messages to support and guide the Orkney community and at the same time exerted influence with the Government to get the best outcomes for our islands.

“He understands business, is solutions focussed and is devoted to creating a positive economic and sustainable future for Orkney whilst ensuring its reputation as the best place to live is maintained.

LGIU Scotland is a policy information service dedicated to local government across Scotland. They work to inform their members by providing practical, up-to-the-minute intelligence on policy issue, helping public servants make policy, support residents and work more effectively with colleagues. Their members include councils, charities, central government and public sector partners, all sharing a commitment to providing the best possible local government services for citizens.