Local Authorities Guide: Orkney Islands Council

The following is a Q&A with Independent Heather Woodbridge, leader of Orkney Islands Council.

The Public Sector Reform strategy is a key mission of the Scottish Government, what does that mean for you and your council?

It’s an opportunity to work collaboratively with public sector partners to protect and enhance community services, ensuring they’re delivered in ways that truly work for our islands and their unique circumstances.

Are there particular innovative or collaborative ways of working that you can point to in your own council as examples of how you can do more with less?

Our community wind farm projects are a great example of how we’ve been innovative and taken a deep look at the local resources that are available to us to generate income to reinvest in services. As Scotland’s smallest council, we are often going above and beyond to provide services, our teams are already lean and focused – but that continued excellence will require adequate funding, not just efficiency.

AI is held up as a potential game changer in terms of public service delivery but on the ground, what contribution is digital technology making to your own approach?

Digital technology offers real opportunities to support our officers and streamline back-office processes, freeing up time for what matters most - the face-to-face services that our communities need and value.

What counts as a good day in the office?

When I know that decisions we’ve worked on together to make will have a lasting positive impact on our communities - whether that’s securing funding for essential services, progressing our ferry replacement programme, or shaping policies that will benefit Orcadians for years to come.

What keeps you awake at night?

Honestly, very little - I’m fortunate to work with excellent officers and councillors who share a real commitment to our islands. 

How do you describe what you do as council leader to a stranger?

It’s a demanding but rewarding role scrutinising a budget of over £100m and leading a team dedicated to making life better for our island communities. It requires diplomacy, relationship-building, and long hours, but seeing the positive impact in all of our communities, gives me a tremendous sense of job satisfaction that makes it worthwhile.