Governance

I’m a Stronsay limpet, born and bred, although I now live in Orphir. Educated at Stronsay Junior High and gained O-Levels and Highers over the years at evening classes. Studied with the Open University and gained BA (Hons) Humanities with Classical Studies and Philosophy. I actually enjoy the pressure and discipline of studying new subjects but I could do with more spare time! I have two daughters, Valerie and Yvonne, who both work in Orkney - and four grandbairns. Being a member of around a dozen committees and sub-committees of the Council along with various working groups, single topic meetings and attending to ward issues, I find I am in the Council Offices nearly every day. Although the role of a Councillor is not considered a full-time occupation I have always seen it as a full-time commitment. Undoubtedly the part of my duties that I enjoy the most and find most rewarding is visiting the isles and helping to forward the interests of the islanders and their communities.

Born in Kirkwall in 1961, I attended Papdale Primary and Kirkwall Grammar School. I moved to Holm when I married Irene in 1984 and have two grown-up daughters, Ingrid and Heather. For 20 years, I ran my own Ceramic Tile retail business but found through the pressures of ever increasing Council and constituency duties I had reduced time for attending to business requirements. I sold my business in 2006 in order that I could concentrate on my Councillor role and am pleased to have been re-elected for my fourth term in 2017.

Born and raised in Caithness, I spent my early working life in wildlife management before embarking on a 30 year career with the Northern Constabulary, serving in various parts of the Highlands and Islands before moving to Orkney in 1992. For some years prior to retiring from the service in 2010, I was the Community Safety Officer for Orkney, representing Northern Constabulary on various bodies relative to community planning in Orkney.

Besides being the part-time Rector of St Olaf’s Episcopal Church, I am also Chaplain to the Sea Cadet Corps, the Royal Naval Association and the Kirkwall branch of Royal British Legion (Scotland).

Married to Barbara since 1981, we have four grown up children and one young grandson.

I was born on the croft of South Horraldsay in the Parish of Firth where I still live. Married to Linda, we have three of a family John, Olga, and Anne, and one grandson Ewen.

I have spent most of my life working in the building industry alongside, for many years, working the family croft. I also did a bit of creel fishing in the early 70's as a hobby.

I was born and brought up on Hoy on the family farm. Worked in the water industry for 20+ years. I have been involved with the Coastguard for 20+ years, and have been Station Officer for 17 years. I was a Director of the Gable End Theatre and still continue to support them and help with productions. I am a committee member of The Friends of the Hoy Kirk and have in the past been Chairperson of the Hoy Centre Committee and The Hoy Partnership. I am also a member of The Hoy Trust and was a Community Councillor for 8 years until I was elected to the post of Councillor.

Born in West Lothian I moved to Orkney in 1969 when dad became head teacher of the then new Stromness Primary School. I have based myself within 5 miles of the harbour town ever since.

Finishing school in 1980 I joined the workforce at the Flotta Oil Terminal, training as an Instrument Technician. A career change, following voluntary redundancy in 1994, saw me become salesman / assistant manager at Orkney Meat Ltd before joining Orkney Auction Mart Ltd in a managerial position. I became a councillor in 2007 and resigned from the mart in 2012 to concentrate fully on council business, chairing various committees.

Pam and I married in 1986 and built a house overlooking Stromness and the Hoy Sound in 1989. We, and our two sons, have called it home ever since.