Orcadian Column, 5 June 2025
This week we’re getting two weeks for the price of one as events take place to mark Dementia Awareness alongside recognition of the vital role played by Volunteers. At a local level, there will be a crossover between the two.
On Monday, I dropped by the weekly Men’s Hub session at Age Scotland Orkney’s offices on Victoria Street in Kirkwall. Tea, biscuits and impromptu music accompanied a couple of hours of pleasant chat and plenty of laughter. The relaxed atmosphere was aided by the presence of Willow, a golden retriever and trained Therapet who was happy to nuzzle and nod along in return for a steady supply of dog treats.
Not all volunteers are as chilled, or hairy, as Willow but all help make Orkney the special community it is. So from the Men’s Hub, I wandered along to another Hub on the other side of town, where the Connect Project Awards were being held. Connect is a fabulous initiative, supporting young people and helping build self-confidence, skills and friendships. From gardening to working in the CLAN shop; from testing electrical devices at Restart Orkney to taking part in inter-generational games afternoons at the Life Centre, the volunteering done by these young people is varied and invaluable. Getting a chance to celebrate these contributions lifts the spirits.
Further evidence of Orkney’s formidable volunteer ‘army’ was on show at the packed sessions in the Orkney Theatre on Sunday, where those who have signed up to help at the forthcoming Island Games gathered for a final mass briefing. From attending previous Games, I know how integral the volunteers are to the overall success of any Games, shaping the atmosphere and making visitors feel welcome. I’ve no doubt Orkney will deliver a hugely successful Games, made all the more memorable by the hundreds of volunteers who, on the basis of Sunday, are chomping at the bit!
The previous day, I was out in Rousay for the Development Trust’s well-attended AGM. The turnout reflects the impressive range of projects being taken forward by the Trust, which has seen the Taversoe restaurant re-opened, the Trumland estate purchased by the community, the heritage centre extended and ambitious plans for new housing at the pier. While the Trust is able to rely on paid staff, thanks to turbine revenues, a great deal of volunteer effort is required as well, and it is making a real difference to island life.
A similarly positive story emerged this week from another Development Trust, this time in South Ronaldsay and Burray, who secured the final tranche of funding needed to allow the re-opening of the iconic Tomb of the Eagles site later this year. It has been a phenomenal effort by all the volunteers involved, with strong backing from the public. Access once more to the site, as well as other exciting plans being developed by the Trust, will be warmly welcomed by locals and visitors alike.
That mix of locals and visitors, alongside the influence of volunteers, is exemplified by the Orkney Folk Festival. As well as fusing world class local and international talent, the festival manages to feel both spontaneous while also being run with near military precision by Craig Corse and the organisers, aided by a crack team of volunteers. It was a privilege to be invited to compere a mightily enjoyable concert in Harray, and to see up close how this well-oiled machine operates. I’ve lodged a
motion and will ask a question in parliament this week, highlighting the success of the festival; acknowledging too the special concert marking 30 years of Hadhirgaan and the outstanding musical legacy of Douglas Montgomery.
Another Douglas making less positive headlines lately has been the former Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross. After repeated warnings for disruptive behaviour, he was finally given his marching orders from the Chamber by the Presiding Officer at FMQs last Thursday. Subsequently, Mr Ross has accused the PO of ‘bias’ which is simply untrue and appears more of a deflection.
However, let me end on a more upbeat note by offering heartfelt thanks to all those who volunteer in whatever capacity. The least you deserve, and that includes Willow, is the last word in this week’s column.