Corporate Governance

Privacy Notice

Find out how Orkney Islands Council collects, uses and protects your personal information, and what rights you have under data protection law.

Birth registration

If you've had a baby, you must register the birth with us within 21 days. This is a legal requirement. You can register a birth that happened in Scotland at any registration office in Scotland, not just ours.

Accessibility

This accessibility statement applies to www.orkney.gov.uk. This website is run by Orkney Islands Council. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website.

Complaints, compliments and feedback

We want to hear from you about the services we provide — when we've got it wrong, when we've got it right, and when you have an idea about how we could do better. After all, it's you, as the people who use our services, who really know how we're doing.

Death registration

All deaths in Scotland must be registered within 8 days. You can register a death at any Scottish registration office — it doesn't need to be with us. A death must be registered before a burial or cremation can take place. This applies even if the person who died wasn't normally resident in Scotland.

Website Privacy Policy

This website is owned and operated by Orkney Islands Council. We aim to provide secure and safe interaction for users of the website and are committed to protecting the privacy of any personal information you may submit. Orkney Islands Council is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for Data Protection purposes, adheres to the guidance provided by the Information Commissioner (link available from the 'Related Sites' section of this page), and complies with the Data Protection Law. This policy explains how any personal data collected by this website will be used by Orkney Islands Council.

Business rates privacy notice

Find out how we use your personal information when you apply for a business rates account or relief.

Stillbirth registration

If you've experienced a stillbirth - where a baby was not born alive after the 24th week of pregnancy - you must register this with us within 21 days. You can register a stillbirth that happened in Scotland at any registration office in Scotland.

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) 2002 (FOI) enables any person to obtain information from Scottish public authorities. The Act applies to all Scottish public authorities including: Scottish Government and its agencies; Scottish Parliament; Local Authorities; NHS Scotland; Universities and further education colleges; and the Police.

Marriages

You'll need to lodge a marriage notice with us at least 29 clear days before your wedding date, and no more than three months before it. This applies to both civil and religious marriages. You can get marriage notice forms from us or download them from the National Records of Scotland website.

Social Media

Licensing information and applications

Licences and permits for businesses, trades and activities across Orkney - from alcohol and taxis to street trading and short-term lets.

Alcohol licensing

Find out if you need a short-term lets licence, current fees, and how to apply.

Houses in Multiple Occupation licence

Find out if you need a Houses in Multiple Occupation licence, and how to apply.

Metal dealers licensing

Find out if you need a Metal Dealer's Licence, for a site or door-to-door trading.

Entertainment licensing

Find out if you need a Public Entertainment, cinema, or indoor sports entertainment licence.

Gambling licensing

Find out about betting, bingo and gaming machine licences, and how to register a lottery.

Lotteries licensing

Find out how to register a small society lottery, the fees involved, and the rules for running one.

Marches and processions licensing

Find out how to apply for a licence to hold a public procession, march or parade.

Raised structures licensing

Find out if you need permission to use a raised structure for seating or standing.

Markets operators licensing

Find out if you need a Market Operator's Licence, and how to apply.

Street trading licensing

Find out if you need a Street Trader's Licence, and how to apply.

Short term lets licensing

Find out if you need a short-term lets licence, current fees, and how to apply.

Public charitable collections licensing

Find out how to apply for a public charitable collections licence.

Knife dealers licensing

Find out if you need a Knife Dealer's Licence, and what knives and blades are exempt.

Late hours catering licensing

Find out if you need a Late Hours Catering Licence, and how to apply.

Sex shop licensing

Find out if you need a Sex Shop Licence, and what counts as a sex article.

Window cleaners licensing

Find out if you need a Window Cleaner's Licence, and how to apply.

Taxis and private hire cars licensing

Find out about taxi and private hire car licences, fares, ranks, and how to apply.

Skin piercing, tattooing and acupuncture licensing

Find out if you need a licence for skin piercing, tattooing or acupuncture, and how to apply.

Second hand goods licensing

Find out if you need a Second Hand Dealer's Licence, and how to apply.

Civic government licences approved licence list

View our public register of licences approved under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Procurement

Find out how we buy goods, services and works, and how to bid for contracts with us.

Find and bid for contracts

Find out how we advertise contracts, what the value thresholds mean, and how to register as a supplier.

Standard documentation

Find template letters used at each stage of our tendering process, from selection through to contract award.

Tenders and contracts

Find out how to tender for construction and works contracts, and join our approved contractor list.

Procurement policies and reports

Find our Contract Standing Orders, terms and conditions, Sustainable Procurement Policy, Procurement Strategy and annual reports.

Elections

We administer the following elections in Orkney: Local (council) elections Community council elections Scottish Parliamentary (constituency and list) elections Westminster (General/UK) elections and referendums By-elections when a councillor, MP or MSP dies or resigns Special elections such as referendums and community-related elections

Ways to vote

There are several ways to vote in Orkney elections. Plan ahead to make sure you choose the method that works best for you.

Previous elections

You can find the results and information about recent elections held in Orkney below. The most recent elections are listed first.

Council meetings and events

Committees and sub-committees

How our committees work, who sits on them, and agendas, reports and minutes for all committee and sub-committee meetings.

Boards, forums and joint committees

Information about the Integration Joint Board, Licensing Board, Licensing Forum, Valuation Joint Board, Islands Growth Deal Joint Committee and The Orkney Fund Board.

Covert surveillance (RIPSA)

Find out when we can use covert surveillance and informants, the policies that govern how we use them, and how to complain if you think we've acted improperly.