The first phase of street design upgrades has been installed along Ferry Road in Stromness under the 'A Safer Route to School' project, led by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in partnership with Orkney Islands Council.

Local organisations and Stromness Primary School’s Pupil Council marked the milestone with a site visit and celebration event on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to create a more accessible, welcoming Ferry Road so people of all ages can make safe, enjoyable local journeys on foot or wheels. Pupils and community groups have helped shape concept designs for a waterfront that reflects Stromness’s character and identity.

Early measures include three new dropped kerbs to improve accessibility for people using walking aids, wheelchairs, bikes and buggies, as well as the removal of two barriers that had narrowed the pavement. Two benches have been installed at the northern end of Ferry Road to create rest spots and places to enjoy the sea view.

A new compass-themed artwork has been painted onto the widened pavement. Chosen by the project’s Community Advisory Group, it highlights local points of interest, with dashed lines guiding pupils on their way to school and residents on other local trips.

Rebecca Robinson, Head Teacher at Stromness Primary School, said: "The Pupil Council were delighted to see their ideas brought to life as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust team shared the small changes already implemented. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking on the role of Urban Designers and valued the opportunity to represent the views of their peers regarding the proposed plans for a safer route to school along Ferry Road.

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"They also felt truly appreciated when they were treated to refreshments and gifted a selection of Active Travel and Planet Earth books for the school library.

"A huge thank you to the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust team for involving the children so meaningfully in the process. We look forward to seeing the project continue to develop, ultimately creating a safe pathway along Ferry Road for our school community."

Holly Best, Senior Project Manager for Co-Design at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: "It is wonderful to mark the installation of early accessibility improvements and feature artwork on Ferry Road – the first steps towards a more comfortable and attractive waterfront for walking, wheeling and cycling.

"These small changes have a big impact, making journeys to school smoother and introducing spaces to pause, reflect and enjoy the waterfront with friends, family and neighbours.

"We're particularly delighted to celebrate the involvement of our project champions, Stromness Primary School Pupil Council and our community organisations, who have led conversations locally about the project.

"Feedback and creative ideas from the Stromness community have been instrumental in developing concept designs that support fairer, healthier and safer choices for all road users, especially our young people travelling to school.

"We look forward to these conversations continuing to help create a more accessible Ferry Road, with spaces where people can connect with each other and with the town."

Construction was delivered by local contractor Andrew Sinclair. A spokesperson said: "Andrew Sinclair Ltd is delighted to have been involved in this community driven project. As a local company established over 54 years ago we are proud of our community roots and to have contributed to this project in a small way is very rewarding."

Following public engagement and workshops last month, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust is updating the wider concept proposals and will hand the project over to Orkney Islands Council at the end of March 2026. The Council will then work with the community to plan how the scheme aligns with broader local priorities such as the Local Place Plan.