Residents' views are helping shape the final management plan for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

A report analysing responses to the recent public consultation can now be seen on the Historic Scotland website.

The draft management plan is being reviewed and informed by the views that were expressed during this summer's public consultation.

Sabina Strachan, Historic Scotland WHS co-ordinator, said: "We are very grateful for the time and effort people put into taking part in the public consultation.


"Many respondents felt our long-term aims were commendable but some were concerned about the effect of development close to the area. Residents seem to agree with most of the 46 specific objectives in the plan, in particular those to increase environmentally sustainable access.

"The views expressed are being taken very seriously and will inform the final plan."

Opinions are also being sought from groups which were not strongly represented in the consultation process.

Historic Scotland aims to publish the final management plan in September after it has been considered by Orkney islands' councillors.

Substantive changes between the consultative and final drafts, and the reasons they have been made, will be set out in a consultation report.

The final version of the management plan will be available in hard copy and on the Historic Scotland website.

(GK/JM)