A pilot strategy which guides development activity in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Marine Spatial Plan has been announced as a finalist in the category for Excellence in Plan Making Practice at the Royal Town Planning Institute's (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2017.

The plan, which was drawn up by a working group consisting of Orkney Islands Council, The Highland Council and Marine Scotland, was adopted by Scottish Ministers and both Councils in 2016.


It previously won the Partnership Working category at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (SAQP) in November.

Cllr James Stockan said: "I am delighted to see further recognition for this important piece of work.  A huge amount of effort was put in by the team, by the Council, and by the communities who so enthusiastically fed into what was a huge engagement, and ultimately helped put in place a plan which draws together all the users of our ocean space.

"It is a credit to the resourcefulness and vision of our communities and a common determination to secure the best for our region.

"This is pioneering work of the highest order and shows the world that remote areas really can lead the way for how these things can and should be done."

The winners will be announced during a ceremony held at Milton Court at The Barbican, London on 15 June.

(LM)