Active Communities
We support communities across Orkney to learn, get active, have their say and thrive. This section covers community councils, sport and leisure, community learning, youth services, consultation and play areas.
Pages managed by this department
About community councils
Find out how community councils work, how they are funded and how we support them.
Adult learning and development
Community Learning and Development is about empowering people - individually and collectively - to make positive changes in their lives and their communities through learning.
Adult learning
Daytime and evening classes, free basic skills support and community development for adults across Orkney.
Contact your community council
Find contact details for the clerk to your community council.
Employability support
Personalised support to help you find work, retrain or progress in your career, plus resources for employers.
Community council meetings
Find meeting dates and download agendas and minutes for all community councils.
Plans, reports and inspections
Our CLD plans, annual reports, progress reports and Education Scotland inspection reports.
Empowering communities
Find out about our project to give community councils a greater role in shaping and delivering local services.
Campsites and hostels
Book a stay at Birsay Hostel and Campsite, The Hoy Centre, Point of Ness Campsite or Rackwick Hostel.
Community centres
Find out about hiring Kirkwall and St Ola Community Centre or Stromness Town Hall for your event.
Sport and leisure
Membership, facilities and support to help you get active, plus Orkney's annual sports awards.
ActiveLife
Find out about ActiveLife membership, giving you access to leisure facilities across Orkney.
Active Schools Programme
Discover how Active Schools creates opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport, develop leadership skills and connect with local clubs. Learn about cycling training, school sports programmes and leisure facilities available across Orkney.
Allotments
Find out about leasing an allotment in Kirkwall or Stromness.
Orkney Sports Awards
Find out about the Orkney Sports Awards, our annual celebration of sporting achievement, and how to nominate.
Pools and sports venues
We operate 5 swimming pools across Orkney, one on the Mainland at Stromness, and 4 on the isles at Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and North Walls. We also run fitness suites and Healthy Living Centres at community schools across the county.
Dounby School and Community Centre
Find out about Dounby School and Community Centre, its facilities, opening hours and how to book.
KGS Sports Centre
Find out about KGS Sports Centre, its facilities, gym hours and how to book.
North Walls Healthy Living Centre and Swimming Pool
Find out about North Walls Healthy Living Centre and Swimming Pool.
Sanday Swimming Pool
Find out about Sanday Swimming Pool, opening times, prices and how to volunteer.
Stromness Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre
Find out about Stromness Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, opening times and how to book.
Stronsay Swimming Pool
Find out about Stronsay Swimming Pool, opening times, prices and how to book.
Westray Healthy Living Centre and Swimming Pool
Find out about Westray Swimming Pool, opening times and prices.
Rousay Healthy Living Centre
Find out about Rousay Healthy Living Centre, opening hours and fitness classes.
Shapinsay Healthy Living Centre
Find out about Shapinsay Healthy Living Centre and its opening hours.
St Margaret's Hope Healthy Living Centre
Find out about St Margaret's Hope Healthy Living Centre and its opening hours.
Play areas
Discover play parks and recreational spaces throughout Orkney, including information on equipment available at each location. Learn how communities can apply for support to improve local play facilities and how to report maintenance concerns.
Training and development for sports clubs
Training sessions for sports clubs, coaches and volunteers in Orkney
October Holiday Programme 2026
Our October holiday programme is packed with sport and swimming for children, young people and families, with free and low-cost sport and swimming sessions across Orkney.
Participation requests
Community bodies have the right to ask us to take part in an outcome improvement process. Find out how to make a request and what happens next.
Orkney Opinions
Our public consultation panel, made up of Orkney residents who share their views on Council services and plans throughout the year.
How we consult
How we approach consultation and engagement in Orkney, and how we respond to consultations from the Scottish Government and other public bodies.
Youth services and activities
Our Youth Services team works with young people aged 8 to 25, providing a range of universal and targeted youth work opportunities across Orkney.
Outdoor education
Outdoor education offers opportunities for people of all ages to build confidence, resilience and teamwork skills while exploring Orkney's unique landscapes and environment. Programmes combine practical activities with hands-on learning and personal development.
Youth accrediations and awards
Youth work opportunities for young people aged 8 to 25, helping build confidence, develop skills, gain awards, and have a voice in their communities.
Youth voice and participation
How young people in Orkney have their say, including the OIC Youth Chamber Debate, Orkney Youth Forum and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.