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Minute of meeting of Eday Community Council held in the Eday Heritage Centre and via Teams on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 19:30

Present: Mr A Garson, Mr H Thomson, Miss M Byers and Mrs L Garson.

In Attendance:

  • Councillor M Thomson.
  • Councillor S Clackson.
  • Councillor H Woodbridge.
  • Mr G Waterson, Director of Enterprise and Resource.
  • Miss C Kelday, Community Council Liaison Assistant.
  • Mrs R Allen, Clerk.
  • 2 members of public.

Order of Business

  1. Apologies
  2. Adoption of Minutes
  3. Matters Arising
  4. Correspondence
  5. Consultation Documents
  6. Financial Statements
  7. Reports from Representatives
  8. Publications
  9. AOCB
  10. Financial Request – Eday Community Association (ECA)
  11. Date of Next Meeting
  12. Conclusion of Meeting

1. Apologies

Resolved to note that apologies for absence had been received from Mr M Cockram and Mr A Jones.

2. Adoption of Minutes

The minute of meeting of Eday Community Council held on 05 February 2026 was adopted, being proposed by Mr H Thomson and seconded by Mr A Garson.

3. Matters Arising

A. Cattle Pens

Resolved to note that there was no further update at this moment.

B. Isles Haulier

Following discussion after receiving the community feedback and an update from Mr A Garson, who attended a meeting with Trading Standards, it was:

Resolved:

  1. That another meeting with Trading Standards would be held.
  2. To note that Mr S Clackson suggested meeting with Sinclair Haulage in person to discuss the current situation.

C. Eday Daily Flights

Mr H Thomson advised members that he had attended the meeting on 25 May 2026, during which he repeated his request for daily flights to Eday. There is currently no confirmation that this will be implemented, as timetable details are still being developed, and it was:

Resolved to note the content of the report.

D. Eday Surgery

Following a discussion regarding recent issues with Eday Surgery, during which there was no medical cover for several days and that information had not been communicated effectively to residents, it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that information about lack of medical cover or doctor’s rota should be distributed in a more efficient and reliable manner to ensure that all residents were kept informed.
  2. To note that the healthcare system required greater support, as the current working arrangements for medical staff serving the isles were not considered adequate according to Working Time Directive.

E. Recycling Bins at the pier

After discussion regarding the recycling bins at the pier not being emptied regularly and lack of facilities for recycling plastic, members noted that the council operative, who was responsible for rubbish removal, usually informs the relevant authorities when the recycling bins require emptying, however due to logistics and the size of the bins, it was not always possible to organize the emptying of bins immediately.

Members also noted that the recycling of the plastic was currently unavailable on the island, due to logistics. This is regularly raised in the council and leaflets explaining the situation and outlining available recycling options, including taking plastic to the recycling centre in town, could be distributed to residents, and it was:

Resolved to note that Councillor M Thomson would contact the Director of Infrastructure and Organisational Development:

  1. To recommending that arrangement should be made to empty the bins on a regular schedule, even if they were not full, to avoid overfilling.
  2. To ask if the leaflets explaining the situation and outlining available recycling options, including taking plastic to the recycling centre in town, could be distributed to island residents again.

F. Signage For Alternative Route Leading to Mussetter Beach

Following discussion regarding the alternative access to Mussetter Beach and that it would be useful if there was signage to the path just behind the fence that leads to the beach, which was thought to be part of the core path network, that can be used by walkers, it was:

Resolved to ask Orkney Islands Council if this path was part of the Core Path Network and if so could signage be provided to the path.

G. Pier Weight Restrictions

Following consideration of a Briefing Note to Elected Members, which was provided at the meeting, advising on the current situation at pier and the next steps to be taken, it was:

Resolved to note that:

  1. The survey had been completed and showed no further changes to the damage of the pier.
  2. A monitoring only approach has been considered which would involve continuing regular inspection and retaining the current 26 tonne restriction. However, this approach carried the risk that further deterioration may require additional reductions in allowable load and ultimately may result in closure of the pier if no remedial works are undertaken.
  3. A minimum repair option has been identified which would involve breaking out defective concrete from the soffit and crossbeams, preparing surfaces, exposing and treating reinforcement, and reinstating the concrete using appropriate repair materials. This option would also include the installation of sacrificial anodes to mitigate ongoing corrosion of reinforcement. The consultants advise that, due to the challenging marine environment and access constraints, these works would be relatively high cost. While such works could extend the life of the structure by approximately 10 to 20 years, further deterioration in untreated areas is anticipated and may necessitate future interventions.
  4. A more extensive repair option has been identified which includes a combination of localised repairs together with wider soffit repairs and the installation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system. This system would provide long-term protection to embedded reinforcement and has the potential to extend the service life of the structure by approximately 25 to 50 years. However, this approach would require ongoing maintenance of electrical and control components and periodic intervention over the life of the system.
  5. An alternative to cathodic protection has also been identified which would involve full removal and replacement of the soffit concrete. This approach would allow full inspection of the existing reinforcement and reduce uncertainty regarding the condition of the structure. However, it is anticipated that this option would be more disruptive to operations, would have a longer construction programme, and would incur higher capital costs due to the increased extent of works and material removal.
  6. A full replacement option has also been considered. Given the age of the structure, its limited residual load capacity, the absence of detailed construction records, and concerns regarding long-term durability of repairs, the replacement of the suspended deck presents a long-term solution. A new structure could provide a design life of between 50 and 100 years, while also improving load capacity and operational resilience.
  7. That members thought a backup plan was needed such as the possibility of using a different site as a part of contingency plan or the use of MV Toplander in case of heavy loads and that in the case of an emergency it is allowed to land equipment first and then seek permission after the event.

H. London Bay Bench Removal

Resolved to note that the bench would be removed from London Bay and be placed at the Heritage Centre.

I. Parking at the Pier

After a discussion regarding the very limited parking space at the pier, it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that there was extra space behind the cattle pens that could be tidied and organized that could be used as extra parking space.
  2. To note that this was not a part of the Master Plan, however, it could be done.
  3. There is possibility of parking at the link span, just right at the end of the section when passengers are being picked up.
  4. To note that there was a strip of land across from the car park, that could be cleared out and used as additional parking space.
  5. That the Director of Enterprise and Resources would check if the land belonged to Orkney Islands Council and if it did, he was of the opinion that there should not be a problem with granting a permission.
  6. That Councillor M Thomson would provide photographs of the area.

J. Wall at the Heritage Centre

After a discussion regarding the repair of the wall at the Heritage Centre, it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that quotes for the cost of repairing the wall like for like should be sought.
  2. That Eday Community Council and Eday Partnership should be approached regarding funding the cost of the repair.
  3. To note that Miss M Byers suggested J Hamilton as possible contact for the job.
  4. That Miss M Byers would contact J Hamilton to ask for a price for the work.

K. Chair and Planning Representative

After hearing a report from the Chair advising members that there was a possibility that they may be leaving the island, due to work commitments, in the near future, and it was:

Resolved to note that Chair would remain in his position meantime.

4. Correspondence

A. Prepaid Paper Tickets and Bookings

Following consideration of correspondence from Orkney Ferries in relation to prepaid paper tickets and bookings, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

B. Meet the Buyer Event – 9 March – Planned and Reactive Roads Maintenance Activities

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to planned and reactive roads maintenance activities, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

C. Orkney Marine Planning Stakeholder Update

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to Orkney Marine Planning Stakeholder update, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

D. Isles Part-Time 20mph Update

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to Isles part-time 20mph, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that smiley face flashlights could be installed upon request.
  2. To ask Orkney Islands Council if smiley faces could be installed at the school during the next term time.

E. EMEC Fall of Warness Tidal Site

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to a notification of decision by the Scottish Ministers to vary the Section 36 consent to construct and operate the EMEC Fall of Warness Tidal Site update, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

F. Royal British Legion Best Kept War Memorial

Correspondence in relation to Royal British best Kept War Memorial had been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved:

  1. That Mrs M Byers would enter Eday War Memorial into the competition under different category.
  2. To note that Mrs M Byers would cut the grass on the grounds of the War Memorial.
  3. To note that Eday War Memorial was featured in the newest issue of Orkney Magazine.
  4. That the Community Council would fund any maintenance that is needed.

G. OLECG Update – Broadband Outage

Correspondence in relation to Broadband Outage had been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

H. Community Update on North Isles Connectivity Issues

Correspondence in relation to North Isles connectivity issues has been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note that Liam McArthur, MSP, was currently dealing with any internet connectivity issues and that if anybody was still experiences problems should contact him.

I. Surf Awards Shared Learning Workshops

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to Surf Awards Shared Learning Workshops, which had been sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

J. North Isles Sports

Correspondence in relation to the North Isles Sports had been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that an additional sailing of the Nordic Sea was being provided to allow younger school pupils to have a shorter day in Stronsay.
  2. To note that Eday school might take part in the North Isles Sports this year.

K. SAS Representative – Clinical Care and Governance Committee

Correspondence in relation to the SAS Representative – Clinical Care and Governance Committee had been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note that it was recommended that someone from the islands join the committee in order to provide an island perspective.

L. Equality Delivery Group Meeting

Correspondence in relation Equality Delivery Group Meeting had been previously sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

M. OLDP Update May 2026

Correspondence in relation to OLDP Update had previously been sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

5. Consultation Documents

A. Winter Service Policy 2026-2031

Following consideration of correspondence in relation Winter Service Policy 2026-2031, which had been previously sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence and that members had no comments to make.

B. Verge Maintenance Plan 2026 Updates

Following consideration of correspondence in relation to the Verge Maintenance Plan 2026, which had been previously sent round members, it was:

Resolved to note that additional safety cuts can be requested in the areas where needed.

C. Westray Tidal Array Pre-application consultation notice

Correspondence in relation to Westray Tidal pre- application consultation, which had been previously sent round members, and it was:

Resolved to note the contents of the correspondence.

6. Financial Statements

A. Annual Grant 2026/27

Following consideration of correspondence from Orkney Islands Council advising on the Annual Grants for 2026/27, it was:

Resolved to note that the Annual Grant for Eday was £4,192.07.

B. General Financial Statement

Following consideration of the General Fund statement as at 11 May 2026, it was:

Resolved to note the estimated balance is £11,576.69.

C. Community Council Grant Scheme

After consideration of the Community Council Grant Scheme statement as at 11 May 2026, it was:

Resolved to note that the main capping limit was fully allocated, that there was £724.92 in the additional capping limit, and that the Island capping limit was fully allocated.

D. Community Development Fund

Following consideration of the Community Development Fund statement as at 11 May 2026, it was:

Resolved to note that £7,167.11 remained for allocation.

7. Reports from Representatives

A. Transport

Resolved to note that feedback for the new ferry timetable should be received by 19 August 2026.

B. Planning

Resolved to note that the following planning applications had been submitted:

  • 3 turbines 15 m tall at Castles – awaiting decision.
  • 3 turbines 15 m tall at Mill Bay.

C. Health Care

After hearing a report from the Health and Care representative, it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that there was still no receptionist at Eday Surgery and that the Community Council should pursue their request of readvertising for the job.
  2. That the public had not been informed about the doctor’s rota and that a request should be submitted via the business letter for the clinical rota to be sent more frequently.

8. Publications

The following publications had all previously been emailed to members and were noted:

  • Letter from School Place – February, March 2025.
  • Voluntary Action Orkney – Training and Funding Update.
  • Scottish Rural Action – News and Updates.
  • ORSAS Quarterly Newsletter – February, May 2026.
  • Orkney Ferries Statistics – February, March 2026.
  • Community Payback Unpaid Work Scheme.
  • New – Isles Special Collection Rota up to 30.09.2026.

9. AOCB

A. Fire Service

Members discussed the present situation that Eday currently had no fire service cover and that recruitment was ongoing however it was proving difficult to find people who would meet Scottish Fire Rescue’s criteria and that had the time to attend the necessary two-week training sessions, and it was:

Resolved:

  1. That the jobs should be advertised on local radio, newspaper, Facebook page and newsletter, so it reaches as many people as possible.
  2. To contact Liam McArthur, MSP, asking for his help to change the hiring criteria for the possible volunteers, so the job is more accessible to local people.
  3. To ask that Orkney Islands Council prioritise a Resilience Plan for Eday.

B. School Playing Fields

Members noted that the school playground had not been mowed and that while it is the school's responsibility to maintain the grounds, it was unclear whether the school had access to a mower, and it was:

Resolved that the Clerk would contact the school to clarify the availability and accessibility of a mower and report back to members.

C. Condition of Ground at New Cemetery

Mrs M Byers reported that the cemetery ground was in need of attention as the surface was uneven, which can cause issues with grass mowing, and it was:

Resolved that Mrs M Byers would send photographs to Clerk.

D. MARS Representative

Councillor M Thomson proposed that having MARS representative back in the Community Council could be useful to identifying issues requiring attention such as bins, grass cutting, inspection of land, and reporting it back to Council, and it was:

Resolved to note that the members would consider the need for a MARS representative on Eday Community Council.

E. Publicity of Eday Community Council

A member of public asked how they could access Eday Community Council information, and it was:

Resolved:

  1. To note that all the information was available on the Council’s website and on the board in Eday shop.
  2. To note that members were considering creating a Facebook page that could also have announcements from Eday Community Council.

10. Financial Request – Eday Community Association (ECA)

Following consideration of a financial request from ECA requesting £650 towards the cost of the summer events on Eday, it was:

Resolved:

A. To provide grant of £650 towards the cost of the summer events.

B. That Community Council Grant Scheme would be applied for on the cost of £650 on provision of receipts being provide by Eday Community Association.

C. That Eday Community Association be advised that the funding must be claimed by 31 October 2026 and that funding would not be provided for any alcohol costs.

11. Date of Next Meeting

Following consideration of a date for the next meeting, it was:

Resolved that the next meeting will be held on 3 September 2026.

12. Conclusion of Meeting

There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting closed at 22.13.