Orkney Islands Council is seeking local expertise to assist with the maintenance and clearing of the county's road network.

The local authority is inviting contractors, farmers, and plant hirers to join a formal framework that ensures they are reimbursed for their time and equipment when assisting with planned maintenance, reactive repairs, or extreme weather response.

To support the recruitment process, the Council is hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ drop-in event on Monday 9 March. The event will begin at 9am at the Orkney Auction Mart in Kirkwall, providing an opportunity for interested parties to speak with representatives from the procurement and roads teams.

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The framework is designed to formalise the support often provided by the local agricultural and construction communities during difficult conditions. Applicants will be required to provide details regarding their available machinery, the specific types of work they can perform, and the geographic areas they are able to cover.

Councillor Mellissa Thomson, Vice-Chair of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, said: "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'd 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."

For those unable to attend the event in person, interest can be registered online via the Council’s website or through the Public Contracts Scotland portal. Paper applications are also being made available at the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness and Customer Services in Kirkwall.

The deadline for all applications to be submitted is Friday 3 April at 12pm.