By Bernard Argente.
For centuries, Orcadians have been resilient against invasions, world wars, and even tsunamis. Nowadays, the contemporary Orcadian isn’t as worried about warfare and natural disasters as they are about the compounded council tax increase of 21.9% over two years. Councillor Steve Heddle said that in his 18 years as a councillor he has never seen people this angry. The BBC reports that he said, “Life is about people and the people have spoken” — but have they? The council had clearly not listened to the people as they voted down Heddle’s amendment, ergo permitting a 15% increase.
The fact is there is a cost of living crisis where affordable homes in Orkney are few. Fleecing hard-earned money from individuals who already pay their fair share will only push people to the third sector, relying on charities and human benevolence, which thankfully the community of Orkney has. In a sense, it exploits their kindness, like that of King John, who resembles the idiom, ‘give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.’
My intention in my writing is not to anathematise the Orkney Islands Council, which I respect abundantly, especially Heather Woodbridge, who started her career as a talented, hard-working young councillor and is an inspiration to me. Yet my respect for the OIC does not blind me in my striving, as it did for Goethe’s Faust when visited by the personification of Care.
This Stygian problem I have presented haunts us in the back of our minds, but I assure you there is a luminous solution. Well, don’t be too excited as it’s not to summon an angel, but rather a different type of deus ex machina. The answer to this problem is seaweed, simply seaweed, indeed, the same seaweed that is scattered in plenty around the Brough of Birsay that you see when visiting puffins.
Seaweed is responsible for a portion of the oxygen we breathe, and the Romans used it for treating burns. Personally, I prefer running any burns under the tap with cold water. Seaweed can not only treat burns but can also treat the crisis we are in.
A few weeks ago, I met with the esteemed Professor Sandy Kerr of Heriot-Watt University to discuss seaweed and was astounded by the grandeur of the Robert Rendall Building. The moment I entered the building, I saw free breakfast for students, which was good to see. I entered the main room, bewildered about where to go, until a woman asked me if I was there to see Professor Sandy Kerr. She then informed me he had just come down to see if I had already arrived — she thus gave me directions to his study. The impressive university, when walking through, had a modern aesthetic and a lovely ambiance.
Speaking with the professor, he appeared enthusiastic on the topic and informed me on the history and possible policy needed to make sure it is implemented correctly. An interesting topic in our discussion was about bubbles and how in the past Orcadians tried seaweed and were successful, but ultimately moved away from seaweed.
From my own research, fishermen harvest seaweed themselves and then sell it. On a wider scale of blue economy, seaweed cultivation in Orkney could kickstart a modern industry that has boundless potential. Professor Kerr was skeptical of using seaweed for energy, as it would be a drop in the water compared to other renewables such as wind farms that have been great for Orkney. I also understood after the conversation that the OIC alone would not be able to create such a project without a mandate from the government enforcing it, which I would be confident to ask for if I were a councillor in my ward. I would fancy myself as the same Faust aforementioned that saw the sea with boundless, albeit chaotic, energy and wished to tame it after a major part of his classical journey in the macrocosm.
Financially speaking, to offset a 1% rise, the project needs to generate at least £115,000 in profit. This is, of course, possible and should be desired, as trusting money in Orcadians’ pockets to spend back on local businesses and charities is most likely certain with the camaraderie of Orcadians. How will the council fund this? Orkney has a strategic reserve fund of around £215 million, which can fund this sector and create sustainable passive income whilst investing in a revolutionary industry. There is one thing Orkney doesn’t lack, and that is water.
The Netherlands has experimented with this, and with wind turbines and seaweed pilots, the project had even received €1.5 million from Amazon. There is a market for this, especially for skincare, which can be given to local businesses in Orkney, and also food, although not that tasty. Shipping these will also need to be discussed, especially as there is a big market for seaweed in Asia. But overall, seaweed cultivation has the potential to grow, so every time you walk and see seaweed, I encourage you to interpret this as unused power.
If you agree with me in letting Orcadians keep money for themselves, as they’re not children and can invest in businesses just as well as the council, and want Orkney to invest in seaweed cultivation to kickstart a revolutionary business, you may be delighted to hear I will attempt to run as a councillor in the Stromness and South Isles ward.
I am 18 years old, and my mother works at the chemist here in Stromness, helping many people. Many of you in Stromness have spoken to me and her in the streets, and we have had lovely discussions. I have three huskies and love animals and agriculture, including botany.
The truth is, you should not be in a situation where you are struggling financially because of council tax increases. Orkney is a great place to live, and I’m proud to be able to call myself an Orcadian.
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