Raindrops and Ribbons at Dounby Market Square

The redevelopment of the Market Square in Dounby was officially opened yesterday, Sunday 11 May, at 2 pm with the ribbon being cut by retired Dounby Head Teacher Hilary Morrell. The weather was not kind to those attending the ceremony with heavy rain drenching even the best of waterproof clothing. Despite this the ice cream…

theorkneynews

May 11, 2026

1–2 minutes

community councils, Dounby, Harray and Sandwick, Scottish Goverment

The redevelopment of the Market Square in Dounby was officially opened yesterday, Sunday 11 May, at 2 pm with the ribbon being cut by retired Dounby Head Teacher Hilary Morrell.

Hilary Morrell cutting the ribbon in the heavy rain with the two community ccouncil chairperson either side of her, and a photographer takes their picture

The weather was not kind to those attending the ceremony with heavy rain drenching even the best of waterproof clothing.

the crowd of onlookers soaked and with umbrellas up

Despite this the ice cream van, Tulloch’s, was still catering to those young enough not to be put off by a bit precipitation. Hot food was also available from West Bites.

And there was some super music to keep the spirits up.

The Market Square is looking fabulous. The redevelopment costing £1million got underway in 2024. There’s a new toilet block with motorhome waste disposal, e-bike chargers, and a car park with electric vehicle chargers. Volunteers arrived the day before the official opening to tidy the landscaped areas and get everything ready for Sunday.

Speakers at the opening were: Councillor Rachel King, Deputy Lieutenant Kristen Norquoy, Community Council Chairs David Hamilton and Richard Delday.

The masonry work is especially impressive.

central stone work with a sort of mosaic of stone

The project was funded through a £750K Scottish Government Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund grant from VisitScotland and a £7K Regional Active Travel Fund grant from HITRANS, with Orkney Islands Council providing £246K in match funding from its Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Below are some more images from the event. Congratulations to Harray and Sandwick Community Council for the success of this project.