Community councils
Community councils are independent voluntary bodies that represent the views of local people to Orkney Islands Council and other public agencies. There are 20 community council areas in Orkney, each covering a distinct part of the islands.
Community councils play an important role in local democracy. They are regularly consulted on planning applications, transport, local services and other issues that affect their communities. Your community council is a good first point of contact if you want to raise a concern, share a view or find out more about decisions being made in your area.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe any community council meeting.
@Crown copyright and database right 2012. All rights reserved. Ordinance Survey License number 100021621
About community councils
Find out how community councils work, how they are funded and how we support them.
Contact your community council
Find contact details for the clerk to your community council.
Community council meetings
Find meeting dates and download agendas and minutes for all community councils.
Empowering communities
Find out about our project to give community councils a greater role in shaping and delivering local services.
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Related news
14 October 2026
Stromness Town Hall Update
Efforts are underway at the Town Hall in Stromness to eradicate rats which have recently found their way into the building. A rat was spotted by a keen-eyed member of cleaning staff last week, with pest control and building inspectors immediately mobilised to tackle and investigate the issue.
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12 October 2026
'One week on a boat is worth a year on land': young Orcadians complete Ocean Youth Trust voyage
Ten young people from Orkney have spent a week living and working aboard the Alba Venturer, a 70-foot ketch operated by Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, sailing from Greenock between 5 and 10 October.
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12 October 2026
Orkney Islands Council pays tribute to Maureen Herdman
It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Maureen Herdman.