Isles roadworker recruitment drive gets into gear

How do you fancy being “King of the Road” and playing a vital role within your island community?

Do you want to improve “The Long and Winding Road” in your surroundings and make the lives of others a bit better?

If you live on the isles, then we may have just the job for you.

There are relief road worker posts up for grabs on Flotta, Shapinsay, Eday, Stronsay and Westray and a permanent full-time operative post on Rousay.

Variety is the spice of life – and these roles are no different – from pothole repairs and drainage, verge works signage and lining to gritting, flooding and storm damage.

It’s hard to believe but winter is fast approaching as is the threat of sub-zero temperatures, icy conditions, even snow. We want to ensure your roads are kept clear and as safe as possible, but we need your help.

The roads crews in Orkney received tremendous praise and feedback following our last wintry period in the county. A snow plough at work video went viral and hundreds of grateful comments were shared with the crews for their hard work. You could be part of this team.

The Council’s Chair of the OIC Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Graham Sinclair said: “Our roads teams, including the gritter crews, are massively important helping to keep us safe on the roads all year round, but particularly during any wintry icy spells.

“It was heartening to witness the public reaction to the work of our gritter crews during the last wintry period in Orkney and was testament to their hard work and efforts; they were more often than not the first out on untreated roads while the rest of us were tucked up in our beds.

"This is a service that quite clearly the public value – and the crews very much appreciated the very positive feedback received.”

If you want more detail please contact John Wrigley, Roads and Environmental Services Manager by e-mail or by telephone (01856) 872311 ext. 243.

Further information is available from, and online applications can be made through the MyJobScotland website.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 10 October.