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Cycling UK / Rural Connections

Rural Connections supports people to cycle, walk and wheel – for everyday journeys, leisure, and adventure. We offer: 

  • A wide range of cycling and walking activities for all abilities 
  • Short and long-term cycle loans to help people find a cycle that works for them 
  • Support for local organisations to coordinate and add walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities to their existing activities 
  • Upskilling of volunteers to deliver activities in their communities and keep cycles working if there is no local bike shop 
  • Localised networks of organisations, communities and individuals supporting walking and cycling initiatives.

Visit the Cycling UK website.


Orkney Community Directory

Why not get involved in a local group, activity or perhaps you would like to volunteer.  Voluntary Action Orkney have put together a searchable directory that has a comprehensive list of community and voluntary groups active in Orkney. Other organisations and services that may be of interest to you are also included.

Visit the Orkney Community Directory to find out more.


Orkney Youth Café

Orkney Youth Café is a drop-in service funded by various grants and charities. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for young people aged 12-24, in age-appropriate groups, to socialise with friends and enjoy a wide variety of activities.  

We sell low priced food and drinks, served by our young kitchen staff, and have free WIFI available throughout the Café.  

Regular activities include cooking, crafts, pool, xBox, Wii, Arcade Table, board games and various sports in the Games Hall. We also take part in projects within the Café and the Community; these have previously included ‘Wee Sleep Out’, ‘Swan Boat Trip’ , Mental Health Awareness, Consent, Substance Misuse, and anything relevant to the young people attending.  

We offer a signposting service to various organisations that provide information and support for young people. Some young people also obtain qualifications and accreditation, while attending the café, for their involvement in projects and learning at the Youth Café. 

Visit the Orkney Youth Café’s Facebook page.


CLD Youth Clubs

Monday – East Mainland Youth Achievement group (ages 10+) – at the Orkney Youth Café 4pm – 5.30pm

Tuesday – Stromness Junior Youth Club (P4-7) at Stromness Community Centre (6pm-7.30pm)

Tuesday (fortnightly) – Westray Junior Youth Club at Westray Community School. At 6pm for P4/5, 7pm for P6/7.

Tuesday (fortnightly) – Westray Senior Youth Club (S1 +) at Westray Community School. 7pm-8.30pm

Wednesday – Firth Youth Club at Firth Hall (P4-7) – 6:30pm-8pm

Thursday – Dounby Youth Club (P4-S2) at the Dounby Centre, 6:30pm-8pm

Thursday – West Mainland Youth Achievement groups (ages 10+) in Stromness Community Centre. 6:30-7:30pm for Dynamic Youth, 7:30-9pm for Youth Achievement

Friday – Hope & Burray Youth Club at Hope Community School, 7:45-9:15pm (P7 – S3)


Orkney Youth Forum

The Orkney Youth Forum is a group created to give Orkney’s young people a platform to share their voices together.  They meet regularly throughout the year and attend other meetings such as with the local NHS, Elected Members and Orkney Health and Care.

You can find out how to get involved on the Orkney Youth Forum website, or take a look at what they are up to at the moment by checking out their social media accounts or newsletter.


What’s on for Bairns Facebook Group

This is a public group setup for people to advertise children’s activities, groups, clubs and classes going on in Orkney.  You can find the group on Facebook.


Young Farmers

Orkney has three clubs, Harray, Sandwick and East Mainland.  Together they have over 100 members and are part of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) most northerly district.  YFC is Scotland’s largest rural youth organisation providing a social network full of opportunities from competitions and events to training and travel.  A chance to grow your skills across the arts, rural and agri, personal development and sport.  If you are interested in joining in with Young Farmers or have any questions please contact odayfc@hotmail.com.

You can also find out more on the Orkney Young Farmers Facebook page.


Young Islanders Network

The Young Islanders Network is a community which joins young people together from all the islands, sharing their voices, views and experiences.  Join in at yin.scot.