This service is managed by Active Communities
About community councils
Community councils are established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, which requires every Scottish local authority to set up a scheme for community councils in its area. In Orkney, this is the Scheme for Orkney Community Councils 2022.
Each community council meets approximately every six to eight weeks, holding around seven meetings a year. Special or public meetings can be arranged to discuss issues of particular local concern. Office-bearers are elected annually in May or June.
Each community council elects a planning representative, who receives regular updates on planning applications in the area and can liaise directly with our Planning team. Outer isles community councils also elect a transport representative, who attends the Inter-Isles Air and Ferry Services Consultative Forum and acts as a link between the forum and their community.
Related resources
-
Scheme for Orkney Community Councils
This document contains the Scheme for Orkney Community Councils, setting out how councils are formed, elected and run. It covers councillor numbers, meetings, office-bearers, administrative support, funding, financial rules, property, equalities, data protection and breaches. Appendices include the number of councillors for each area, a code of conduct, a model constitution and grant scheme details, including eligible projects and funding levels.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
-
Community Council Vacancy Procedure for Election
This document contains the procedure for filling vacancies on a community council. It explains who can stand, nominate and vote, and how Orkney Islands Council will arrange a public meeting with at least seven days’ notice. If needed, candidates are chosen by secret ballot, with public vote counting and lots used to settle ties. Winners are elected on a first-past-the-post basis.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Funding
We provide each community council with an annual grant of around £3,500, which they can spend at their own discretion. Additional financial support is available through the Community Council Grant Scheme, Seed Corn funding and the Community Development Fund.
How we support community councils
Our Democratic Services team provides administrative support to all 20 community councils. We employ part-time clerks to handle administration in each area, and our staff regularly attend community council meetings to offer advice and assistance. We also distribute annual grants, administer the Community Council Grant Scheme and check minutes before they are released to the press and public.
All correspondence between Council departments and community councils must be processed through the clerk and forwarded to Democratic Services.
Community council team
Meetings, agendas and minutes
You can find meeting dates and download agendas and minutes for all community councils through our meetings calendar. Please note that minutes are only published once they have been adopted at the following meeting.