Orkney Islands Council Elects Scotland’s Youngest Council Leader

Councillor Heather Woodbridge was elected unopposed at this morning's meeting of the Full Council, replacing James Stockan who stepped down as an elected member on 5 February.

At 29, Heather becomes not only Orkney Islands Council's first female leader, but its youngest too - and will also be the youngest Council Leader in Scotland.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Woodbridge said:

“I’m delighted to be elected the new Leader of Orkney Islands Council and want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for electing me into this position and I won’t let them or the people of Orkney down.

“I was Deputy Leader working closely with the former Leader, James Stockan, and I learned a huge amount and was very much involved in those engagements that we had together, where we worked very much as a leadership team. He was so supportive of me in my role as Deputy Leader and was an excellent colleague to work with, who I will miss in the chamber.

“I grew up in the island of North Ronaldsay, on a croft keeping sheep, so I very much have lived experience of what it’s like to live on a small island with a challenging freight and ferry service. That is something that I will take with me into this role – that experience of a marginalised community where if you can get it right for them, you can get it right for everybody.

“Some of the key priorities I have as Leader are to focus on receiving a fair settlement from the Scottish Government for Orkney Islands Council, to continue vital discussions to secure a new replacement ferry fleet, and to advocate for the islands so that when national decisions are taken they are taken with the Orkney Islands’ best interests in mind.

“I put myself forward to be Leader because I believe in Orkney, I have a lot to offer, I have the relevant experience, political ability, the work ethic and that passion to deliver for these islands. I am excited to get started and advocate for Orkney to the best of my ability.”

At the same meeting, Councillor Sandy Cowie took on the role of Deputy Leader - the role previously held by Councillor Woodbridge. His appointment followed a close 11 - 9 vote between him and Councillor Steven Heddle.