Praise for Orkney's collective effort during prolonged winter weather

Orkney Islands Council has shared their gratitude to staff, farmers, emergency services, community groups, volunteers and residents for their patience, resilience and assistance during the recent prolonged period of challenging winter. 

The combination of high winds, heavy snow, ice and prolonged low temperatures created exceptionally challenging conditions across the islands, and the Council is grateful for the collective effort that helped protect people, maintain essential services and support those most in need.  

Council Convener, Graham Bevan, said: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every member of staff, emergency responder, care workers, our contractors, and the many volunteers who stepped forward during these challenging days.”  

 “The combination of high winds, heavy snow and bitterly low temperatures presented significant challenges, but the determination and solidarity shown across Orkney made a real difference. Your efforts helped keep people safe and communities connected.” 

“We thank local businesses, volunteers and neighbours who showed remarkable civic spirit by checking on one another, sharing information and offering a helping hand when it was needed, really highlighting the solidarity that defines our community.” 

“The severe weather also caused disruption to transport and school arrangements and made it difficult to deliver some Council services, such as waste and recycling collections, while teams concentrated on the emergency response. We understand this can be frustrating, but we thank everyone for their patience as services return to normality.” 

“The combined response of our community has shone through – it was a true team effort for which we offer our thanks to all. 

“We remain incredibly proud of the resilience shown across Orkney. The Council will continue working with partners and communities to strengthen our preparedness for future events. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who played a part-large or small-in keeping our islands safe. 

Council teams, partner organisations, contractors and farmers worked continuously through the wind, drifting snow and icy conditions to keep roads and critical services operating where possible with road crews, waste and recycling teams, care workers, and many other Council staff putting in long hours to respond to incidents, clear routes and check on vulnerable households. 

Between the 2nd and 9th of January, Council gritters treated over 7,969 miles which is over 10x the total length of Orkney’s road network. 

Police Scotland Inspector David Hall chaired Orkney Local Emergency Coordination Group (OLECG) which met daily at the height of the weather. He expressed his gratitude to all concerned in what were challenging conditions for Orkney. 

“On behalf of the OLECG I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Orkney community, our farmers, volunteers and partner agencies for the extraordinary support shown during the recent period of adverse weather.” 

“The resilience, patience and practical help offered by local people once again demonstrated the true strength of our islands.” 

“I would also like to thank all responding agencies and frontline staff for their professionalism, commitment and teamwork throughout a challenging period.  

“Orkney has once again shown that when the weather throws its worst at us, this community pulls together and delivers, with sleeves rolled up and no fuss - thank you.”