Orkney Matters 2 – Come and be part of the conversation

Folk in communities right across Orkney are being are invited to take part in a continuing conversation about what matters to them.

Orkney Matters 2 follows on from Orkney Matters, a community engagement programme held in 2020-21 which saw partners from across the Orkney Partnership meet with communities across Orkney to identify key issues to these areas.

Orkney Matters 2 will pick up the conversation where Orkney Matters 1 left off with everyone is invited to take part and subjects identified which will be of most importance to each community. 

The first meetings will be held in Shapinsay, Orphir and North Ronaldsay next week. 

Whilst Orkney Matters was held online due to the Covid pandemic, Orkney Matters 2 will be held face to face. All meetings will take place between 7:30pm and 9:00pm, with the full programme currently being worked on. 

A second vital strand of Orkney Matters 2 is an arts outreach programme to be co-ordinated by the Pier Arts Centre.  This will take the conversation into schools and community interest groups across Orkney, capturing thoughts and feelings about life in Orkney with the help of local artists. 

Council Leader and Chair of The Orkney Partnership, Heather Woodbridge, commented: “Orkney Matters was hugely helpful to both the Council and The Orkney Partnership in setting our future strategic directions. 

“Due to the information gathered at these meetings, we knew what mattered most to Orkney residents and you’ll find that reflected in the Council Plan for 2023-2028 and Orkney Community Plan for 2023-30. 

“Orkney Matters 2 will help to keep us on track and in touch with Orkney residents as we deliver those plans. Come and tell us if we’re getting it right for yourself, your family and your community.” 

The Orkney Partnership brings public agencies together with the community and business to deliver better, more joined-up public services and improve the quality of people’s lives. Members include Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Highlands Islands Enterprise, and Voluntary Action Orkney. Many community and business groups are active in developing the Partnership’s Community Plan and in delivering it.

Notes to editors

• The Shapinsay meeting will take place in the Club Rooms at Shapinsay School on Tuesday 21st May
• The Orphir meeting will take place in the dining room at Orphir Primary School on Wednesday 22nd May
• The North Ronaldsay meeting will take place in the community room at North Ronaldsay School on Thursday 23rd May

All meetings will take place between 7:30pm and 9:00pm