A community council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute by the local authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area.
As the most local tier of elected representation, community councils play an important role in local democracy. They are composed of people who care about their community and want to make the area a better place to live. As well as representing the community to the local authority, community councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many community councils protect and promote the identity of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.
Past and Present projects
In 2016 the Stromness Community Council were granted planning permission for the construction of a new community space, including a stage and public area. Designs for the space were done by architect Sam Green, at 59 degrees North. Work began in early 2017 to develop the site in front of the Stromness Town House, from a grass lawn to a multi purpose community space.
Funding for the project was secured from the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
“It will primarily be an all-purpose area, open all year, and when we have events like Shopping Week, the Folk Festival, the Blues Festival, anything at all, there will be a public stage here for use.”
2016/17 Community Council Chairman George Argo
The project was completed in 2017 and has provided a stage for a variety of events and festivals since then, as well as being a spot to stop at to enjoy the view.
Chairperson – Phyllis McLaughlin
Clerk – Sandra Craigie
Members – Kris Bevan, Janette Park, Willie Mackay, Corrine Sinclair, Doris Fischler, Vikki Anderson
To contact the SCC please use the form on the Contact Page.
As well as working on projects, the Stromness Community Council also organise events, such as an annual Stromness Community Bonfire and Pop Competition and Stromness Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Both of these events are popular within the community, providing an opportunity for all ages to celebrate together. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the decision was taken to cancel the 2020 community bonfire. The Pop Competition was moved online, partnering with Stromness Community Development Trust to utilise StromnessOrkney Facebook, which is managed by the SCDT development officer.
Minutes of Stromness Community Council meetings will be available to download on the Documents Page. If you cannot access these please get in touch using the Contact Us page.
Images above show the Pop Competition poster featuring Neeps and a Pop from E Flett Butchers Ltd in Stromness, 2017 Community Council members at the turf-cutting for the stage project, and finally the Stromness Bonfire night event in 2019.
STROMNESS 