Orkney Islands Council has announced it will expand student accommodation in Orkney following a £346,200 funding award from the Scottish Government.

The grant, provided through the Islands Programme Fund, will support the purchase and renovation of existing properties, adding four new bed spaces for students at UHI Orkney.

The Islands Programme Fund, delivered in partnership with local authorities, aims to advance the objectives of the National Islands Plan. In its first five years, it has supported more than 88 locally-led projects across 55 islands in Scotland.

-- Advertisement --

Additional financing for the Orkney project will come from the Council’s Place-Based Investment Fund, with further funding sources pending confirmation.

Currently, the Council provides six student bed spaces through Orkney Islands Property Development Ltd, bringing the total to 10 once the new spaces are added. The refurbished properties are expected to be ready in time for the 2026/27 academic year, offering more students the opportunity to study locally.