Council by-election due before Christmas

Orkney Islands Council say that the by-election, which will be held in light of the decision by Kirkwall West and Orphir councillor Jack Moodie to resign from his position as a councillor, will take place sometime before the end of the year.

A statement from the council today said: “With the referendum now over, the team is finalising arrangements for the by-election. The by-election must be held within three months, so it will be taking place before Christmas. A date will be announced shortly.”

Mr Moodie decided to stand down earlier this month, stating his reasons for doing so were personal and not political.

However, he added that the increasing bureaucracy at School Place was one factor that had prompted his decision to leave.