Safe space available on Friday before Christmas

Partner agencies in Orkney will be operating a safe space for revellers on so-called ‘Mad Friday’ during the festive period.

This will involve a room being made available at the Kirkwall Travel Centre on West Castle Street over the night of Friday, 20 December, which will be staffed by Orkney Street Pastors, Police Scotland, Orkney Alcohol Counselling and Advisory Service, British Red Cross and others.

The Safe Space will provide a location for people to receive support if needed, regroup with friends, take on some food, water, tea or coffee and arrange for transport home.

Sally Shaw, Chief Officer for Orkney Health and Care, said: "This is a welcome initiative which will ensure we can help people celebrate safely in the lead-up to Christmas.

"The Safe Space will be a warm and dry refuge for anyone who may have over indulged or needs some support.

"Kirkwall is a great place to celebrate this Christmas but please make sure you do so safely, taking responsibility for your own behaviour while also looking out for your friends."

Chief Inspector Matt Webb, Orkney area commander for Police Scotland, said: "We are delighted to support this initiative and will have officers at the Travel Centre and on patrol to help keep people safe.

"We certainly don't want to spoil anyone's fun, and while the overwhelming majority of people will be out to enjoy themselves and in good humour, we all need to keep in mind our own safety and the safety of others.

"We are working closely with partners and with the licenced trade to ensure this Christmas is memorable for the right reasons."