Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Orkney Islands Council have been working together to make school journeys safer in Stromness. We spoke with local pupils about what the changes made so far mean to them.
Improvements for active travel need to be fit for the local context. Community input has been at the heart of our work in Orkney. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
"It makes it more fun to walk to and from school.”
School pupil Theia’s words sum up the impact of small changes made to a street in Stromness, through our partnership with Orkney Islands Council.
The harbour town lies on Orkney's ‘West Mainland’. One of the two main towns on the isles, it is home to over 2,000 residents and is simultaneously a gateway between Graemsay, Hoy, and the Scottish mainland.
Theia joined us alongside other pupils from Stromness Primary School and members of the local community last Tuesday, to celebrate the first set of new street features on the ‘A Safer Route to School’ project - announced today as shortlisted for a Scottish Transport Award in 'Excellence in Transport Design'.
Local school pupils have been involved throughout the project so far, sharing their design ideas for Ferry Road. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
A collaboration between Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Orkney Islands Council, and supported by Scottish Government funding, 'A Safer Route to School' has set out to redesign Ferry Road – a main link into the town centre and, as the name suggests, its ferry port.
The aim behind the project is to make the road welcoming, accessible and attractive for everyone, so that more people can travel to school and other destinations in the town by walking, wheeling or cycling.
The project has been championed by the Pupil Council and local organisations, who have all played a central role in shaping new concept designs for a waterfront that reflects the unique character and identity of Stromness.
Those involved came along last Tuesday to visit the initial improvements to the area, which have just been completed.
Three new dropped kerbs have made walking along the waterfront more accessible for people using walking aids, wheelchairs, bikes and buggies. Two barriers which were restricting the width of the pavement have also been removed.
Alongside this, two new benches at the northern section of Ferry Road now provide rest stops and opportunities to enjoy the view across the water.
In her novel, The Outrun, Amy Liptrot writes of her childhood in Orkney; “I grew up in the sky, with an immense sense of space”. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
To top it all off, a new piece of ground artwork has been painted on the widened pavement.
The compass design was chosen by the project’s Community Advisory Group and reflects local points of interest.
Dashed lines guide pupils on their way to school and residents making other local journeys.
The ancient standing stones at Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Orkney. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
As well as formally launching the new improvements, the event on Tuesday also recognised the community’s valuable contribution.
Local community organisations, including Stromness Primary School Pupil Council, have championed the project throughout its collaborative design phase.
Their feedback has been instrumental in guiding the concept design for a more accessible waterfront and public spaces along Ferry Road.
On Tuesday, the school’s Pupil Council were presented with an active travel book library in recognition of their role as Junior Urban Designers on the project.
As well as being involved in the design process, these pupils went the extra mile in encouraging participation across the whole school.
Pupils received a number of books around the themes of active travel and the environment. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Rebecca Robinson, Head Teacher at Stromness Primary School, said:
“The Pupil Council were delighted to see their ideas brought to life as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust team shared the small changes already implemented. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking on the role of Urban Designers and valued the opportunity to represent the views of their peers regarding the proposed plans for a safer route to school along Ferry Road.
“They also felt truly appreciated when they were treated to refreshments and gifted a selection of Active Travel and Planet Earth books for the school library.
“A huge thank you to the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust team for involving the children so meaningfully in the process. We look forward to seeing the project continue to develop, ultimately creating a safe pathway along Ferry Road for our school community.”
Safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes to schools are a key part of our charity's strategy for 2025-2050. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Next steps for the project
Following public engagement and workshops held last month, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are currently updating the concept design proposals for the wider scheme, and will hand over the project to Orkney Islands Council at the end of March 2026.
After this handover, the Council will work with the Stromness community to plan integration of the project with wider local priorities, such as their Local Place Plan.
Orkney Islands Council’s Convener, Councillor Graham Bevan, represents the Stromness and South Isles ward. He said:
“What stands out most about this project is the strength of the Stromness community. The early improvements on Ferry Road are a direct result of local people, especially the Pupil Council, sharing their ideas, experiences and hopes for a safer, more welcoming route. Their commitment has helped shape changes that will benefit neighbours of all ages.
"The pride and creativity shown by our young people, families and local organisations is something we should all celebrate. I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, and I’m confident that the next stages of the project will continue to reflect the values and character that make Stromness such a special place.
“The wider outcomes of this work will also inform the developing Stromness Place Plan update, helping to guide longterm decisions and ensure the community’s ambitions are carried forward into the town’s future.”
Do you live in Orkney or are you interested in finding out more? Visit the 'A Safer Route to School' project website.
Whether it's getting to school, work or the shops, everyone deserves to be able to make safe, accessible and healthy journeys. Credit: Michael Kelly / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Generating momentum for walking, wheeling and cycling in Orkney
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has been working with Orkney Islands Council since 2021 to understand local barriers and make improvements to help more people walk, wheel and cycle across the isles.
Read about some of our other partnership projects below.
Orkney Travel Matters
A survey of Orcadians’ travel habits and what would support them to walk, wheel or cycle more. This was a pilot project that used expertise from our Walking and Cycling Index programme.
Arcadia Park
A community-designed greenspace in Kirkwall with ponds, wildflower meadows, woodlands and sculptures - all connected by a network of accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
Papdale Park
A network of paths and landscaping features transformed Papdale East Park into a biodiverse community space. A new road crossing links the park to Kirkwall Grammar School, ensuring trips are safe and accessible.
