Other services

Port health

We are the Port Health Authority for Orkney and deliver this service through our environmental health team, covering all ports and airports in Orkney.

Maritime Declarations of Health 

Vessels entering Orkney waters can submit Maritime Declarations of Health by emailing our team.

Ship sanitation inspections 

Requests for ship sanitation inspections can be made by emailing our team. Fees are set in line with those of the UK Association of Port Health Authorities and are listed in our charges register.

Please note - Orkney is not a Border Control Point. Food, animals and plants cannot be imported into the UK through Orkney.

Pest control

We do not provide a pest control service. For treatments and advice, please contact a commercial pest control company operating in Orkney.

Your responsibilities

• If you are a land or property owner, you have a legal responsibility to keep your land free from substantial numbers of rats and mice.
• If you operate a food business, you have a legal responsibility to prevent pests from interfering with your operation.
• If you are a tenant with concerns about pest activity, speak to your landlord in the first instance.

We do not provide a pest identification service. If you are concerned about the health effects of contact with a pest - such as bites, scratches or infection - speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

In certain circumstances we can investigate complaints about pest activity. Contact our environmental health team.

For information about ship sanitation certificates for vessels in Orkney waters, see our port health section.

Careers in environmental health

To qualify as an Environmental Health Officer, you need to complete an accredited course recognised by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS).

Undergraduate study in Scotland 

The University of the West of Scotland currently offers the only undergraduate course in Scotland, though this course is closing to new entrants shortly. 

Postgraduate study in Scotland

The only postgraduate route currently available in Scotland is the MSc in Environmental Health with Professional Practice at Abertay University.

If you are a school leaver or career changer interested in environmental health, REHIS can advise on options. 

You do not need to be a qualified Environmental Health Officer to work in environmental health. Any vacancies with our team will be advertised on the council's careers website.