A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Place Plan session! Your input was very valuable - here are some of the key takeaways from our discussions

Feeling Safe:

Some feedback about gaps in the Emergency Plan

A call for better collaboration with services like the police, and more support for folks coming home from hospital. Maybe a "Welcome Home, Here’s Your Care Package" program?

Care and Maintenance:

More bins, please! We’re all for recycling, just as long as it doesn’t mean fighting with the bin lid.

Influence and Sense of Control: A lot of you want more say in what happens around here.

Also, a lot of support for reopening the polling station in Stronsay – we hear voting by post isn’t nearly as exciting as walking to a real polling station.

Social Interaction:

Bring back the events! From science festivals to music gigs, it sounds like we need more chances to dance like no one’s watching.

There were also some heartfelt requests for home visits – because, let’s face it, sometimes all you need is a friendly face to brighten your day.

Natural Space:

Our beaches are beautiful, but let’s be real – they could use a little better access, especially for those who prefer rolling to the beach in a wheelchair instead of climbing rocks.

A lot of love for tree planting and gardening! Who knew we had such a green-fingered bunch?

Housing and Facilities:

More affordable housing! Because if we’re going to keep attracting teachers, nurses, and people who know how to fix things, we need somewhere for them to live.

Transport and Accessibility:

Better ferry and bus connections – and no, "just swim across" was not an acceptable solution.

The disabled access on ferries? Definitely needs a bit of a makeover, or as one person suggested: “A ferry fit for the 21st century!”

Work and Economy:

More job opportunities and apprenticeships! And yes, we’ve heard your plea for more opportunities for "young lasses" (they’re the future of this island, after all).

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us! We’re excited to turn these into real plans.

We’re looking forward to continuing this work with the Community Council and the Community Association to bring the Place Plan to life! Together, we’ll make sure these ideas become reality and that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of our wonderful island.