Welcome to Orkney Islands

Image credit: Clare Gee

Orkney is the smallest local authority in Scotland, serving a community of approximately  22,000 across a group of 21 Islands.  As an ‘edge’ community Orkney is in a unique position due to the geographic nature of the islands. It is rich in sea-life as well as in agriculture and is renowned for its development of renewable technologies, particularly those linked to wind and sea.   

Orkney is the historical heart of Neolithic archaeology and had a central part to play in both World Wars belying the notion that it is remote. The islands are steeped in heritage with proud traditions, such as the Ba played every Christmas and New Year’s day in Kirkwall.  It is home to myriad artists, craftspeople, musicians, storytellers and other cultural practitioners, many of whom have an international reputation.  Orkney also hosts numerous festivals across the calendar year,  

Yet, whilst these beautiful islands are fortunate to benefit from high levels of employment and good quality services (including two university campuses and a new hospital), these often mask many instances of rural isolation, higher than the national average levels of fuel poverty and high living costs.  Good connectivity is still not fully available and many households and businesses are at digital disadvantage.  Orkney is, however, a place of entrepreneurship, innovation and endeavour, and is ever ready to meet its challenges head on in order to ensure its sustainability and resilience. 

Contact: John Saich (Project Officer)