Policy and Resources Committee - 25 November 2025 - Updates on private items.

At Policy and Resources Committee today, a number of items were heard in private due to the nature of the reports.  We can provide the following updates from the meeting:

North Isles linkspans 

Members of today’s Policy and Resources committee considered plans to upgrade the North Isles linkspan systems to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of lifeline ferry services connecting island communities to the Mainland.  The report was heard in private as it contained information on an upcoming tendering exercise. 

The project will replace aging control cabins, install modern control systems, and renew key hydraulic components at Eday, Loth (Sanday), Whitehall (Stronsay), and Rapness (Westray) piers.

These improvements will enhance operational efficiency, reduce service disruptions, and support long-term sustainability of inter-island transport links. The works are scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected by autumn the same year. 

Procurement will be carried out through an open tender process, and island communities will be kept informed throughout the project to minimise disruption. 

Kirkwall and Stromness Linkspans

Members at today’s Policy and Resources Committee have considered a report on plans to upgrade the linkspan control systems at Hatston and Stromness piers, ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of lifeline ferry services connecting Orkney to mainland Scotland. The report was heard in private as it contained details of an upcoming procurement exercise.  

The existing systems, now over two decades old, have reached the end of their service life. The upgrade will modernise control equipment, bring systems up to current standards, and introduce enhanced safety features, including double validation on all critical signals. These improvements will reduce the risk of service disruption and support long-term sustainability of transport links vital for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Design and procurement will begin early in 2026, with installation and commissioning scheduled for completion by mid-2026. Stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the project to minimise disruption and keep communities informed. 

UHI Facility report

Members at today’s Policy and Resources Committee considered a report on plans  to develop a national Archaeology and Environment Science (AEonS) facility at UHI Orkney. The report was heard in private as it related to an external funder and an upcoming tendering exercise. 

The facility would strengthen research and teaching in environmental archaeology, addressing skills gaps and support innovation in heritage science.

The facility will include specialist laboratories for archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, pollen analysis, and soil science, alongside an imaging suite and teaching spaces. It will also host a mobile laboratory to enable outreach and citizen science across the Highlands and Islands.

The AEonS facility will create new research opportunities, attract postgraduate students, and foster collaboration with national and international partners. It will also deliver community benefits through public engagement and education, contributing to Orkney’s economy and sustainability goals.

Further details will be released in due course.  

Papdale Halls of Residence Demolition

Elected members at today’s Policy and Resources Committee considered a report on plans to progress with the demolition of the former Papdale Halls of Residence. The report was heard in private as it relates to a future tendering exercise.  

The former Papdale Halls of Residence has been vacant since 2013 and is no longer suitable for use. This demolition of the building could mark an important step in unlocking the site for future affordable housing development, supporting the Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan and wider community priorities. 

The next stage will involve preparing a Full Business Case, including detailed surveys, site investigations, statutory approvals, funding options and a procurement strategy. This work will ensure the site is cleared and ready for redevelopment, with demolition scheduled for 2026/27 and new housing anticipated from 2027/28. 

Further details will be released in due course.

Telecare – Analogue to Digital

A report was heard in private at today’s Policy and Resources Committee on the switching of telecare equipment from analogue to digital.   The report was in private as it included details of an upcoming tendering exercise. 

Orkney Health and Social Care Partnership is taking forward plans to ensure the continued safety and independence of over 700 people who rely on our Telecare and Community Care Alarm service. The UK-wide switch from analogue to digital telephone networks, scheduled for completion by January 2027, means all existing analogue alarm equipment must be replaced with digital alternatives. This transition is essential to safeguard vulnerable people, maintain regulatory compliance, and uphold Orkney’s commitment to high-quality, person-centred care.

The report recommended that the Partnership replaces all remaining analogue Telecare and Community Care Alarm units with digital devices to maintain service continuity and compliance with national standards, that it ensures compatibility with existing and future developments to support a wide range of needs, including falls detection and other safety features and that it begins procurement and installation planning immediately to meet the national deadline and avoid disruption to this critical service.

A procurement process for digital equipment is due to commence by the end of this year with installation scheduled throughout 2026. The Partnership will continue to engage with national bodies, suppliers, and local communities to ensure a smooth transition. communication with service users and families remains a priority, ensuring everyone understands the changes and benefits of the new system.

It is expected the following units will be purchased: 

• 364 x remaining existing analogue alarm units to be replaced. 

• 300 x digital alarm units for stock management and control – Orkney Mainland for remainder of 2025 to transition date of January 2027 

• 150 x digital alarm units for stock management and control – ferry-linked isles Orkney for remainder of 2025 to transition date of January 2027. 

Active Travel Projects

The Policy and Resources Committee has heard a report on a series of Active Travel projects aimed at improving walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure across Orkney. These projects include some new infrastructure projects, upgrades to popular paths, and measures to reduce future maintenance burdens. The report was in private as it related to future tendering exercises and external funders

The recommendations set out in the report focus on delivering twelve priority projects and supporting the development of an Active Travel Strategy. This work will strengthen connections within communities, promote sustainable travel, and contribute to improved health and wellbeing.

Next steps include progressing design and construction for approved projects, continuing engagement with local communities, and working with partners to ensure delivery capacity. 

Further details on the project will be released in due course

Note: A Kirkwall to Stromness cycle path is not one of the projects listed