Appointment to Head of Active Communities role

Orkney Islands Council has appointed to its new role of Head of Active Communities  

Garry Burton will take on responsibility for a range of services including sports, leisure and sports development, library and archive services, community learning, development and employability, community consultation and engagement, physical activity and wellbeing, community planning and oversight of the Service Level Agreement with the Pickaquoy Leisure Trust  

The Head of Active Communities role was added to the Council’s leadership team structure earlier this year, as part of an organisation-wide restructure.  

Heads of Service are a pivotal part of the extended Corporate Management Team, sharing leadership responsibilities and accountability for the success of the Council.  

They provide a critical link between the operational and service delivery requirements of the Council and the formulation and implementation of service and organisational strategy at Extended Corporate Leadership Team level.  

Garry first joined Orkney Islands Council in 2004, as manager of the Active Schools team. He was subsequently appointed to the role of Service Manager for Sports and Leisure in 2007, adding Culture services to his role in 2021.   

He has led teams on several projects in his time with the Council including securing and implementing SportScotland funding packages, athlete development pathways, support for the Orkney 2025 International Island Games and the redevelopment of Scapa Flow Museum.  

A keen endurance runner and rugby enthusiast in his spare time, he’s ready to bring all that energy and drive to his new role.  

He said: “I’m truly honoured and grateful to be entrusted with leading the Active Communities service. This is an exciting and meaningful role, and I’m eager to work alongside our communities, staff, and elected members to deliver high-quality, inclusive services that reflect what truly matters to the people we serve.”  

“The Active Communities service has a diverse and dynamic portfolio, and I’m excited to build on the strong working relationships I’ve developed over the past 20 years of living and working in Orkney. I’m equally enthusiastic about forging new connections as we continue to develop to meet the needs and aspirations of our communities.”  

James Wylie is the Council's Corporate Director for Education, Communities and Housing. He said: “We are delighted to announce that following a competitive recruitment process Garry Burton has been offered – and has accepted – the role of Head of Active Communities. His commitment to community services in Orkney has been long standing and successful – and we look forward to that continuing.  

“We would note that there was an outstanding field of candidates who applied and were interviewed for this role – it was incredibly pleasing to see so much interest in this exciting new role for public services in Orkney.”