Orkney voters have determined who they wish to represent them within Orkney Islands Council for the next five years.

There will be a number of new faces joining returning councillors to the chamber representing Orkney’s six wards.

The wards and councillors are:

The final ward results are in for Orkney – with the announcement of the Kirkwall East ward results.

The four councillors elected for the area are John Ross Scott, Gwenda Shearer, Steven Heddle and David Dawson.

A total of 1,694  first priority votes were cast in the ward with John Ross Scott taking 476 of these votes, Steven Heddle taking 428, Gwenda Shearer taking 413, and David Dawson taking 285.

It’s a trio of new faces to represent the East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray ward – with all former councillors having stood down.

They are Raymie Peace, Gillian Skuse and James Moar.

A total of 1,344  first priority votes were cast in the ward with Raymie Peace taking 642 of these votes, Gillian Skuse taking 278, and James Moar taking 111.

Three councillors have been elected to represent the North Isles for the next five years.

They are Heather Woodbridge, Stephen Clackson and Melissa Thomson.

A total of 1,029  first priority votes were cast in the ward with Heather Woodbridge taking 443 of these votes, Stephen Clackson taking 256, and Melissa Thomson taking 204.

The first results are in for the Orkney Islands Council elections.

The three seats for Stromness and South Isles ward have now been announced at the Pickaquoy Centre.

James Stockan, Graham Bevan and Lindsay Hall have been elected as councillors.

The North Isles ballot boxes are opened.

9:20am Count Staff began opening the ballot boxes for the North Isles.

The Council's Returning Officer, John Mundell, has outlined the process which lies ahead as the Local Government elections count has begun with the opening of the first ballot boxes for the Stromness and South Isles Ward.

Further updates and ward results will be shared throughout the day.