The Orkney Islander 2018 launched in Kirkwall

Today, Friday, saw the official launch of the 2018 edition of The Orkney Islander.

The launch event for the free publication was hosted by VisitScotland, and held in the Kirkwall iCentre this afternoon.

Produced each year by Orkney Media Group, the magazine is aimed at the tourist sector and celebrates Orcadian products, people and places, as well as providing all the information visitors would need for a trip to the islands group.

At the launch, the editor of the magazine, Leah Seator, and the managing director of Serco Northlink, Stuart Garrett spoke to the producers, advertisers, contributors who had been involved in producing this year’s edition.

Serco Northlink is the star of the front cover this year, as well as having contributed, along with Buster’s Diner and Northlight apartments, to the magazine’s competition.

Mr Garrett opened the launch event and gave those who had attended an insight into the marketing efforts of the Serco Northlink, mentioning an upcoming app, as well as current and future advertising campaigns. He also talked about the future, such as the introduction of RET on the Orkney and Shetland ferry routes, which is slated for the first half of this year.

Thanking all those who had contributed to the latest edition of the magazine, Mrs Seator added: “We have continue to build on the new look of the magazine this year and I’m delighted to say we have produced our biggest issue yet, at 116 pages.

“This is a reflection of the ever-growing band of loyal advertisers from across Orkney, who are just as passionate about promoting the islands as we are.”

“The Islander simply would not exist if it wasn’t for submissions, both of content and photographs from people who are genuinely enthusiastic about promoting Orkney.