Orkney Islands Council leader James Stockan to step down

The leader of Orkney Islands Council has announced he is leaving office and standing down as a councillor.

James Stockan had led Scotland's smallest local authority for six years.

The independent councillor made headlines in July last year after suggesting Orkney could leave the UK to join Norway, Denmark or Iceland.

The council is facing a budget shortfall after its plans to impose a 10% council tax rise this year were halted by the Scottish government.

Mr Stockan said it was the "right time" to quit following 20 years on the council.

The Stromness and South Isles representative will stand down on 5 February, the council confirmed.

The local authority said it would give details on a by-election and a process to name a new leader in due course.

Mr Stockan said: "I've done my very best to serve the people and interests of Orkney well - creating plenty of ripples in the corridors of power in Edinburgh and London along the way.

"There comes a time when there's a natural depletion of energy required to give your very best to that level of responsibility though - and for me, after twenty years, that time has now come."

First elected to Orkney Islands Council in 2003, Mr Stockan served as chair of economic development from 2005 to 2007 and then vice convener from 2007 to 2012.

He became chair of the development and infrastructure committee from 2012 to 2017, following which he was elected as the council's first political leader in 2017, taking on the role again after the 2022 election.

Council chief executive Oliver Reid described Mr Stockan as an example to other for his understanding of local government issues and tenacity in "fighting Orkney's corner in the national arena".

He added: "His influence, experience and dedication are unrivalled - I've learnt a great deal from him and will miss his wise support."