Orkney chief executive cover to remain as long as needed, says leader

The leader of Orkney Islands Council has declined to say how long she believes interim senior management arrangements will be in place following the suspension of its chief executive.

Oliver Reid went on a period of special leave in May with no indication of when he would return.

BBC Scotland News understands he was suspended pending an investigation into a disciplinary matter.

Heather Woodbridge said she was "legally restricted" on what she could say, but added that interim arrangements would continue for as long as they were needed.

Woodbridge told BBC Radio Scotland's Around Orkney programme: "I cannot say anything at all in relation to the chief executive or his special leave.

"This is an ongoing matter relating to a member of staff and therefore I am unable to make any comment."

Four council directors have been taking it in turns for a month at a time to cover the chief executive's duties.

Woodbridge said: "I think the important thing to reflect here is that we have a hugely experienced senior team in the council who do excellent work for Orkney, and work tirelessly.

"I have confidence and faith in our senior team in terms of this interim arrangement."

She said the local authority continued to operate "smoothly", and the interim arrangement would be under review "for as long as it was required".

Meanwhile, Woodbridge welcomed an award of £203,133 to a project to convert St Rognvald's House care home in Kirkwall into accommodation for health and social care workers.

She said up to 40 people could be provided with housing once the project is completed.

It is one of 13 island projects to receive a share of £3m from the 2026-27 Islands Programme Fund.