Orkney Islands Council is inviting farmers, contractors and plant operators to help keep the county’s roads safe through a new maintenance framework.
The council is encouraging people with suitable machinery or equipment to register their interest in supporting roads maintenance work during severe weather and routine operations.
Those who take part will be paid for the use of their time, machinery and equipment when called upon.
The scheme is designed to strengthen local support for the roads network during winter conditions and other periods when extra help may be required.
A Meet the Buyer event will take place on Monday 9 March at the Orkney Auction Mart in Kirkwall where potential applicants can speak directly with council officers.
The drop in session will run from 9am and will give contractors the chance to learn more about the work and the application process.
Staff from the council’s roads and procurement teams will be on hand to answer questions and help people register on the day.
Councillor Mellissa Thomson, Vice Chair of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, said the council values the support already provided by local contractors and farmers.
“As a farmer I know how much local contractors and farmers do to help keep Orkney moving during bad weather and we want to make sure that anyone who helps out is properly reimbursed.
“If you have the equipment and think you could help I would really encourage you to come along to the mart on the 9th.
“The team will be there to answer any questions you might have and to help you get signed up on the day.”
Applicants will be asked to provide details of the machinery or plant they have available along with the type of work they could assist with and the areas they are able to cover.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday 3 April at 12pm.
Anyone unable to attend the event can still register their interest through the Orkney Islands Council website.
Applications can also be submitted through the Public Contracts Scotland portal.
Paper copies of the application form are available from Customer Services in Kirkwall and the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness.
Support is also available for anyone needing help using the Public Contracts Scotland system.
