Draft design proposals for Ferry Road and the Stromness waterfront are being shared with the public as part of the A Safer Route to School project, with engagement events taking place in early February 2026.
The project, led jointly by Orkney Islands Council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, is inviting residents and local businesses to review and comment on proposed changes aimed at improving safety and accessibility.
The designs have been shaped by feedback gathered last autumn, when members of the Stromness community were asked to share their experiences of Ferry Road and their aspirations for the area.
That local insight, combined with technical assessment, has informed draft concepts including the creation of an attractive seaside promenade along the waterfront.
Two public engagement events will take place on 3rd and 5th February at the Warehouse Buildings, alongside stakeholder workshops and an online survey to gather wider feedback.
The events will bring together residents, design specialists and engagement experts to explore the proposals and discuss how Ferry Road could better serve the community.
A Community Advisory Group, established in November 2024, continues to meet regularly with the project team to ensure local voices remain central as the designs progress.
Graham Bevan, Convener of Orkney Islands Council and representative for the Stromness and South Isles ward, said:
“We’re grateful to everyone in Stromness who contributed their experiences and ideas last year.
“The community’s insight has been central to shaping these early design proposals, ensuring they reflect the realities of everyday life along Ferry Road.
“As we move into the next stage, it’s just as important that local voices continue to guide the process.
“I would encourage residents, businesses and community groups to come along to the engagement events, view the draft designs and share their thoughts.
“By taking part, people can help us develop a final concept design that supports safer, more accessible journeys and enhances this important part of the town for generations to come.
“The Safer Route to School project will also play a key role in informing the revised Stromness Place Plan, which is being taken forward with the Stromness community to help set priorities for future developments in the town.”
Holly Best, Senior Project Manager for Co Design at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said:
“We’re excited to continue conversations with the Stromness community about their vision for Ferry Road and the waterfront.
“We heard that everyday walking, wheeling and cycling journeys could be improved, particularly for more vulnerable community members, including children, and those with access requirements.
“We are now looking forward to hearing people’s views on the draft designs, which propose a promenade that celebrates local identity and offers smoother, safer journeys to school, town, the ferry and beyond.
“Our design and engagement process continues to put people at the heart of decisions about their local spaces.
“Through our public design events and survey, we’ll be working hand in hand with the community to develop designs that support fairer, healthier and safer choices for all road users, especially our young people travelling to school.”
