The Orkney Greens have been making the most of the better weather campaigning for the Local Authority elections on Thursday 5th May.

Candidates Kristopher Leask and Helen Woodsford-Dean, were joined at the weekend with Ariane Burgess, Highlands and Islands MSP for the Scottish Greens.

Ariane Burgess said:

“It’s great to be back in Orkney again! I was here only last year prior to the Holyrood election, and I’d like to thank the 1,104 Orcadians who voted for me at the Scottish election. This time around I’m meeting our local candidates for the OIC election in May, and I’m so pleased that of our five candidates we have three young people standing and two women.”

“I’m always impressed at how much is going on in Orkney, and the wealth of opportunities ahead. Visiting a range of local organisations, I heard about challenges relating to housing, third sector funding, student accommodation, ferries, and marine biodiversity.

“What was especially satisfying  was getting out with local candidates and seeing the great work they are doing to reach folks in the local community, understand the challenges they face, and if elected get straight to work on putting our communities at the heart of OIC.”

“The Orkney Greens are determined to break the culture and mould of the current suite of Councillors within OIC. The Orkney Greens will field five candidates in the forthcoming OIC elections on 5 May, and openness and transparency will be one of their top priorities

The Scottish Greens are fielding 5 candidates in Orkney. Kristopher Leask who is contesting Kirkwall West and Orphir said:

“It was great getting out and around doors with Ariane, meeting folk in Kirkwall West and hearing about the problems they’re facing. Working with Ariane in the Scottish Parliament I have seen first-hand the work she is carrying forward to tackle issues like fuel poverty and ferries. If elected I’ll continue that work and prioritise tackling the cost-of-living crisis, unsustainable cruise ship tourism in Kirkwall, and fighting for more affordable housing.”

West Mainland candidate Helen Woodsford-Dean added:

“I took Ariane around a few doors in the village so that I could introduce Ariane to the real voters of Orkney, so that she could understand the issues at first hand. Top priority from householders was the speed issue in the village – it’s a well-known hazard for local folk, and I’ll do everything I can if elected to resolve this problem.”

The 5 Scottish Green candidates in Orkney are:

Elections to Orkney Islands Council take place on Thursday 5th of May. Anyone aged 16 or over that day, resident in Orkney and registered to vote, will be able to vote. If you are not registered to vote you have until Monday 18 April.

If you wish to apply for a postal vote click on this link: Postal Vote Information

Prospective candidates having until March 30 at 4pm to submit their nomination papers.

Polling cards will be going out this week in Orkney.