Team Orkney effort praised

Orkney Islands Council interim Chief Executive John Mundell and Chair of the Development and infrastructure Committee Councillor Graham Sinclair - joint statement of thanks.

Orkney’s communities have weathered the most recent storm by working together and demonstrating a commendable response during prolonged and challenging wintry conditions.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank our own staff, particularly those at the frontline keeping the roads as clear as possible and keyworkers ensuring other vital services were maintained to many of our most vulnerable folk, but to all staff involved in any way.

It doesn’t end there by any means – the community spirit shown by so many people in going the extra mile for others has been admirable.

Farmers, businesses and individuals with suitable machinery and vehicles took it upon themselves to assist our own OIC gritter and plough crews in trying to keep our roads passable and as safe as possible. Emergency and volunteer services have also worked tirelessly throughout the difficult period.

This was the first time in a decade that Orkney had endured a prolonged spell of snow and icy conditions – this, combined with strong winds in recent days, led to precarious conditions on many of the county’s roads.

Our gritter crews have worked daily since Christmas treating the roads but they were simply overwhelmed by the conditions in some parts of the Mainland at the weekend. Increasing winds whipped up the powdery snow, and accumulated drifts reached 5ft and more in places. It soon became apparent on Saturday that they were fighting a losing battle – clearing a road just to watch as the snow was blown back in behind them.

Many areas of Orkney were not as badly affected, lulling some folk into a false sense of security when heading out – only to be met by treacherous conditions and becoming stuck on their journeys.

With a standstill on the main Kirkwall to Stromness road on Saturday due to cars falling foul of the conditions, the decision was taken jointly by OIC and the Police to close the road from Hatston to the Brig O’Waithe. The community effort here was also exceptional in ensuring no-one was left stranded. Thanks to everyone involved, temperatures beginning to rise and the winds easing, the road was able to reopen fully on Sunday.

The wintry spell has also meant it has been understandably difficult to deliver some of our other services, particularly waste and recycling, as our teams have been concentrated on the weather response. Our collection crews were reallocated to treating footpaths, topping up our 330 grit bins, and carrying out additional gritting on the roads. We recognise how frustrating this has been when collections have had to be cancelled, and we thank folk for your ongoing patience and understanding.

The heartwarming response has been felt far and wide – indeed it has been a great Team Orkney effort and for that we thank you all!