Update of reopening timeline for Leisure, Libraries and Culture facilities.

Orkney Islands Council has pushed back the reopening of some leisure facilities following the recent changes in guidance from the Scottish Government.

The First Minister announced on 30 July that Scotland would remain in phase 3 of the route map out of lockdown for the time being. She did indicate that leisure facilities may be able to open by 14 September.

The Council’s plan was to open bookings for facilities and activities on 3 August in preparation for a phased opening during weeks commencing 11 and 17 August. However, following the latest announcement we have amended our timeline for reopening, and have postponed taking bookings until further notice.

Facilities affected by this are:

• Stromness Community Centre and Town Hall
• Kirkwall Community Centre and Town Hall
• Stromness Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite
• Dounby Centre
• KGS Sports Centre

Garry Burton, Sport and Leisure Manager said: “Our teams have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to prepare facilities for reopening and although the recent announcement by the First Minister has delayed this, we continue to look forward to welcoming people back into our facilities and activities when it’s safe to do so. We can, however, accommodate small wedding ceremonies of up to a maximum of 8 people in the Supper Room of the Kirkwall Community Centre and the re-opening of the St Magnus café which we aim to do on the 11 August.”

Booking forms for venues will be made available here or by phoning 01856873535 or e-mailing leisure.culture@orkney.gov.uk. The date bookings will open along with details on how to make bookings will be communicated at a later date.