OUR VISION FOR THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

We have a vision of a greener, fairer Orkney Islands where:

  • Tackling the climate crisis is a priority with council policies to reach net zero in Orkney by 2030.

  • Local challenges are addressed by community based solutions – a people-centred approach to create a prosperous future based on a Just Transition.

  • Openness and accountability run through public life – and there is an end to the secrecy prevalent within Orkney Islands Council at present.

At the core of our manifesto is the necessity to tackle the climate crisis in a way which maximises the opportunities that arise from the transition to net-zero by 2030. Related issues such as fuel poverty, energy prices and sustainable transport need urgent attention which requires ambitious leadership.

Our vision is to future-proof Orkney for the 21st Century and take a new approach to local government. Orkney has unlimited potential and we’re determined that it’s not squandered by a lack of ambition, leadership, or an unwillingness to do things differently. With a rapidly ageing population Orkney must think about the future. We want to create more opportunities to retain our young folk and tackle barriers to this like the unavailability of housing. We’d also like Orkney to attract young people and families to contribute to our island society and economy as residents in a thriving, dynamic community.

Read more about our vision and how we aim to achieve it in our manifesto.

GREEN ACHIEVEMENTS

With just 1 Green councillor, Steve Sankey in East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray, we:

  • Won an extra £5.5 million for ferry funding which saved vital cuts to public services elsewhere in Orkney at the time.

  • Saved the St. Margaret’s Hope and Cursiter Quarry recycling centres from closure twice which kept amenities local and protected recycling rates.

  • Kept the Churchill Barriers in the headlines which as an economic artery into Orkney still requires much expenditure even on basic maintenance.

  • Changed Orkney Islands Council investment practices such that all decisions now require discussion of Environmental, Governance and Social dimensions through fund managers who are members of the UN’s Principles of Responsible Investment.

  • Helped Orkney Islands Council win a Climate Change Project Officer despite serious delays caused by climate change deniers within the Chamber.

  • Helped many constituents with casework, each of which was a small piece of a very large jigsaw helping to improve the daily life of people.


All this was essential work, but there’s so much more to do. Orkney Islands Council needs to be much more diverse in age and gender, and more Greens are desperately needed in the Council Chamber!

MEET OUR CANDIDATES

Our candidates are your neighbours across the Highlands and Islands - people who are passionate about making a greener, fairer world, and delivering change for all our communities.

Find your local candidate here.

WHAT MATTERS TO YOU?

We want to hear what you believe are the most important issues we face. Whether it is the impact of tourism, schools, public transport, housing, or something else entirely, tell us here, or contact your local candidate.


VOTING RESOURCES

Voting in Council Elections factsheet (from the Electoral Commission)

How to Vote (from gov.uk)

How the Single Transferable Vote system works (from Highland Council)

Resources on all things to do with elections (from the Electoral Commission)

Orkney Islands Council election information (from Orkney Islands Council)