McArthur seeks minister’s help for storm hit North Ronaldsay sheep dyke

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has asked the minister for environment, Paul Wheelhouse, what support might be available to fund repairs to the North Ronaldsay sheep dyke.

Mr McArthur had been contacted by constituents on North Ronaldsay about serious damage to around two miles of the dyke on the eastern side of the island during the recent storms.

Mr McArthur said: “Like many other parts of the country, Orkney suffered a real battering during the recent storms.

“The damage caused by these high winds and sea surges is still being assessed but I am aware, for example, that a large section of North Ronaldsay’s sheep dyke has collapsed.  Local residents tell me that repairing this will be a major undertaking, albeit that some funding has already been secured.

“I was encouraged by the constructive tone of the minister’s remarks in response to the concerns I raised.  He has offered to write to me setting out the possible options that the community in North Ronaldsay and Orkney Islands Council might wish to explore, including where further funding might be available.

“I am sure that there will be other repair work that needs to be carried out that would also benefit from Scottish Government support and I will be discussing this with the council over the coming days.  Meantime, I welcome the minister’s helpful response to the specific concerns I raised about the sheep dyke in North Ronaldsay”.