Orkney Islands Council’s Transportation team has been named Local Authority Team of the Year at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards.
The team stood out against strong competition from major urban centres including Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as regional partnerships like HITRANS and Strathclyde’s Transport Partnership.
The awards, backed by the Scottish Government, celebrate the very best across the nation’s transport industry and recognise those who go above and beyond to keep Scotland moving.
Orkney’s winning entry showcased a range of achievements across air, land and sea.
This included a government-funded airfield terminal programme, which has seen new terminal buildings constructed for Stronsay and Papay, with more underway for Eday and Westray.
Passenger numbers on Orkney’s bus services have also risen sharply thanks to investment in low-floor, accessible vehicles.
Income from bus fares is now being reinvested into community transport through a Sustainable and Green Transport Fund, helping to improve services in outlying islands.
The team received their award at a ceremony in Glasgow, with Transportation Service Manager Laura Cromarty joined by colleagues Lianne Mackay, Pauline Bruce and Myra Work.
Councillor Kristopher Leask, Chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, praised the team’s ingenuity and dedication.
He said the award recognises the unique challenges of island transport and the creative, sustainable solutions the team has delivered.
Orkney’s Chief Executive, Oliver Reid, also paid tribute to their work.
He highlighted the team’s wide-ranging efforts, from supporting community ferry services to helping develop the business case for new vessels.
Reid said the award reflects the passion and commitment that defines much of the Council’s work across the islands.
Their success now takes them forward to the UK-wide National Transport Awards in October.
Also recognised on the night was Orkney Travel Matters, a collaboration between Sustrans and Orkney Islands Council.
The project was shortlisted for the Contribution to Sustainable Transport award after its groundbreaking study of rural travel habits.
The research, based on the views of 600 residents, found that safety and lack of infrastructure were key reasons for low levels of walking and cycling.
The study has since helped shape local policy and is influencing how future infrastructure is planned across Orkney.
Though that category was ultimately won by the Royal Highland Show Traffic Management Working Group, the shortlisting reflects growing recognition of Orkney’s forward-thinking approach.
With their award now in hand, the transportation team continues to focus on local priorities and national standards.
Their story is a reminder of what’s possible when small teams work with heart, skill and ambition.
