Board members sought to help spend £20m levelling up cash

Work is underway to find a leader for the Orkney Towns Board, which will oversee how a £20 million fund is spent in the county.

The UK Government’s Levelling Up money will be spent over ten years, and Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is on the hunt for a chairperson to run the group.

The membership will also include MP, Alistair Carmichael, a senior representative from the police, and at least two OIC councillors.

The local authority says the board may also include other community partners.

It is expected that the towns board will meet regularly for the first six months to shape the initial investment plan and thereafter on a quarterly basis.

It was agreed by full council on Tuesday, April 30, that OIC chief executive, Oliver Reid, will outline the structure and appointments for the proposed Orkney Towns Board at a future full council meeting.

This will include selection and appointment of an independent chairperson in line with UK Government guidelines, having considered these in consultation with all 21 elected members and the local MP before June 1.

Elected members are welcoming any expressions of interest for membership of the board or for the position of chairperson, which can be submitted by email to chief.executive@orkney.gov.uk or by contacting local councillors by Tuesday, May 7.

Mr Reid said: “We are interested in expressions of interest on membership of the Orkney Towns Board.

“Members will assess nominations alongside the criteria set out in the UK Government’s guidance to allow a short list of candidates who will be approached.”

More information on the expected work of the board is available at: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/OrkneyTownsBoard