Hundreds of pupils from across Orkney will come together this Thursday (today) for Safe Islander a hands-on event designed to help young people recognise real-life risks as they take their first steps into secondary school.
Around 250 S1 pupils from Kirkwall Grammar, Stromness Academy, and the Junior High Schools in Westray and Sanday will take part in the event today, hosted at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Now in its 17th year, Safe Islander introduces pupils to everyday dangers from online threats to fire hazards through practical workshops delivered by local organisations.
Pupils will rotate in small groups through eight activity stations, each offering a different scenario designed to build confidence, spark discussion, and develop vital awareness.
A mock bedroom set up by Scottish Fire and Rescue will challenge pupils to spot hidden fire hazards, like overloaded sockets and charging devices left on overnight.
Casey Construction will demonstrate the dangers of entering building sites using real scaffolding and equipment, while RNLI staff will guide pupils through a life raft safety session.
SSEN will offer high-vis gear and harnesses for pupils to handle while exploring how to stay safe around electricity.
Sessions on vaping, alcohol and peer influence will be led by Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, while SEPA will walk pupils through a flooding scenario and get them to pack a flood kit using common household items.
Police Scotland will cover online safety, focusing on the risks of oversharing personal information.
The Council’s own Community Learning and Development team will invite pupils to map out where they feel safest in their communities and open a wider discussion about what makes a space feel secure and welcoming.
The event is being run this year by Orkney Islands Council’s Youth Services team, part of the Community Learning and Development and Employability (CLDE) service.
“We’re really pleased to be leading this year,” said Cheryl Rafferty, Team Manager for Youth Services.
“It’s a brilliant way to connect with the new S1s and show them how we work alongside schools and partners to support their safety and development.”
She paid tribute to the Council’s Environmental Health team, who led Safe Islander for many years before the recent retirement of its lead organiser.
Councillor David Dawson, who chairs Orkney’s Road Safety Forum, said the experience can have a lasting impact.
“Some of these risks might not have crossed their minds yet, but they will,” he said.
“This gives them a chance to think, ask questions and prepare, before they’re faced with a tough decision in real life.”
He thanked everyone involved, from staff to schools to partner agencies for making the event possible year after year.
