Volunteering has always been a choice of many folk in Orkney. But with the call for more volunteers to come forward even more people in the islands have enlisted to offer help and support during the Covid19 pandemic.

Figures released by SPICe, the Scottish Parliament’s information service, shows 57 have volunteered with the British Red Cross in Orkney while 68 have signed up to Volunteer Scotland.

Scotland Cares links British Red Cross and Volunteer Scotland schemes to local authority and third sector activity in communities, creating a pool of volunteers for local organisations to draw upon and deploy as required.

Volunteers are matched with local needs in a range of organisational settings, when those needs arise. It is up to the requesting organisation to decide how and when volunteers are deployed.

People can be delivering food, essential supplies or just be a phone call away to offer support with a chat to those who may be shielding.

Not every volunteer may have been used yet but having so many come forward has greatly boosted the support that has been available locally.

Commenting on the figures, Maree Todd,MSP, SNP said:

“The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and many in our communities have depended on the help offered by others.

“The people in Orkney who have volunteered to help are a real credit to their community and I want to thank each and every person who has signed up.

“Not all volunteers have been needed so far, but volunteers will play a critical role in supporting and rebuilding our communities – and many will be asked to help in the weeks and months to come.”