A consultation by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland  has opened about councillor numbers and ward boundaries in Orkney.

The proposals make no changes to the number of councillors and wards -21 councillors across 6 wards. The ward names will also stay the same.

There are two changes to ward boundaries – by Kirkwall Harbour to create a more easily identifiable boundary and south of Kirkwall to better reflect local ties, including placing  Kirkwall airport within a Kirkwall ward.

Ronnie Hinds, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We are pleased to begin our public consultation on electoral arrangements for Orkney Islands council area.  We have already consulted the Council and have considered their views carefully before preparing the proposals published today. We now look forward to hearing the public’s views.

“We have considered the flexibility offered by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and while we have not proposed a one or two member ward at this stage we would be interested in the views of local people.

“It is important that electoral arrangements for Scottish councils are effective and that our proposals deliver on requirements for electoral parity and, as far as possible, take account of local ties and special geographical considerations.  Hearing local views on these issues is vitally important as we develop our final recommendations.”

The consultation is open until Monday 2nd of December 2019.

If you would like to share your views click on the link here:Orkney Islands Council area – Review of Electoral Arrangements Public Consultation