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This service is managed by Active Communities

Adult learning

Our Adult and Family Learning team delivers a range of learning opportunities across Orkney. Each year we produce three termly programmes of daytime and evening classes covering a wide variety of subjects. We also offer free support for adults who want to improve their basic skills, and community development support for voluntary groups and organisations.

We work in partnership with the Orkney Learning and Guidance Forum, the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Group and the Strategic Community Learning Group.

Community learning and development

01856 873535
cld@orkney.gov.uk

Community Learning Courses

Each term we publish a guide to our community learning courses, covering subjects as varied as art, languages, computing, fitness and crafts. Courses are offered subject to demand and places fill quickly - it pays to enrol early.

You can browse the current programme and book online, by phone or by post.

To book online:

  1. Download the Guide to Courses and find a course you want.
  2. Register for a Casual Adult User account at www.orkney.gov.uk/cldmembership - choose Community Learning and Development as your centre and Casual Adult User as your category. This does not sign you up for an ActiveLife subscription.
  3. Once registered, log in at www.orkney.gov.uk/cldbookings, select Courses and Holiday Activities, find your course and pay.

If you already have an account, go straight to step 3.

You can also book by calling 01856 873535 or by downloading and returning the booking form below.

Related resources

  • Guide to Courses Autumn 2026

    This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s Community Learning course guide for autumn 2026. It lists indoor yoga and meditation classes in Dounby, Kirkwall and Stromness, plus outdoor birdwatching walks across Orkney. It also explains enrolment, course fees, instalments, concessions, ActiveLife membership, refunds and accessibility, with online, phone and postal application options. Enrolment opens on 20 August 2026.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

    Download PDF (410.6 kB) View plain text
  • Course Booking Form (DOCX, 139.4 kB)

The Learning Link is a free service dedicated to helping adults build skills and confidence. We can support you with:

  • Reading, writing, spelling and grammar
  • Everyday maths and numbers
  • Using laptops, tablets and the internet safely
  • Improving your job prospects
  • Preparing for further education or training

We can also offer accreditation in literacy and numeracy.

We have helped hundreds of people over the years - from brushing up on basic skills to applying for jobs, helping children with homework or progressing into further education.

01856 879200
thelearninglinkenquiries@orkney.gov.uk

Related resources

  • The Learning Link Flyer

    This document contains a flyer for The Learning Link, a free service supporting adult and family learning in Orkney. It can help people improve reading, writing, spelling, grammar and everyday maths, use laptops and tablets safely, improve job prospects and prepare for further education. For more information, call 01856 879200 or email thelearninglinkenquiries@orkney.gov.uk.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

    Download PDF (1.5 MB) View plain text
  • Free Courses Hosted by The Learning Link

    This document contains information about free adult learning courses from The Learning Link. Subjects include reading, writing, communication, numeracy, digital skills, online safety and English for speakers of other languages, with some accredited qualifications available. It also details a fortnightly Digital Support Hub at Kirkwall Library for help with devices, online services, scams and social media. Courses usually take place at The Learning Link in Kirkwall, and interested learners can register by phone or email.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

    Download PDF (197.1 kB) View plain text

What can I do at The Learning Link?

We can help you brush up on your maths, English or digital skills and ESOL (English as a second language).

Will I just be on my own?

Tuition is offered in small groups, but one-to-one may be arranged.

How much does it cost?

All the tuition we provide is free.

I work during the day. Can I come in at the weekend or evenings?

We generally teach and support during the day, but evenings and/or weekends may be available, depending if a tutor is available for this.

How long are the classes?

The time you will spend at The Learning Link will normally be between one and two hours a week, but we expect our students to practise at home.

I didn’t like school - will it be like that?

You will work at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere with an understanding tutor.

Will I have to do a test or sit an exam?

You don’t have to do any tests or exams, but if you want an  accreditation in literacy, numeracy, or ESOL (English as a second language) you are able to complete a Qualification Scotland (formerly SQA) with us.

Will there be other people like me?

Yes, 1 in 4 adults have difficulties with reading, writing and / or maths. All our learners are motivated adults (post-school), and come from all over Orkney, including the isles.

Building Community Capacity

We provide community development support to voluntary groups and organisations across Orkney. We work with Community Associations, Community Schools and other community groups on a tailored basis, offering training, events, project work and community engagement support.

Our aim is to secure the highest quality of life for people throughout the county. By listening to you and supporting the development of strong, locally-based organisations, we can help maintain thriving communities across the islands.

Annual Meeting of Community Associations

Each year we bring together Orkney's halls and community centres for training, information sharing and workshop sessions to help them develop the valuable resources in each community.

For copies of recent Annual Meeting reports, contact:

Kerry Spence

01856 873535, extension 2425
kerry.spence@orkney.gov.uk