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Amy Esslemont Appointed Chair of Orkney Local Action Group
New leadership brings fresh momentum as Orkney LAG prepares for the next round of Community Led Local Development funding and continues supporting community‑driven projects across the islands.
Orkney Local Action Group (LAG) has welcomed a new Chair, bringing fresh energy and experience to the team that helps drive community‑led change across the islands. Amy Esslemont has been appointed to the role, bringing a strong background in development and community funding.
Currently Head of Enterprise Support at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, she has worked closely with local organisations for many years and is well‑placed to support Orkney’s ambitions.
The Orkney LAG plays a central role in delivering Community Led Local Development (CLLD)—an approach that empowers communities to tackle local challenges, build skills, test new ideas and strengthen resilience. CLLD focuses on social, environmental and economic priorities, from climate action and rural services to heritage, tourism, food initiatives and community cooperation. Across Scotland, 20 Local Action Groups support this work, each made up of local people and organisations committed to improving life in their area. More information on CLLD can be found at: https://www.ruralnetwork.scot/community-led-local-development/
In Orkney, the LAG administers both the CLLD Grant, funded annually by the Scottish Government, and the OIC Crown Estate Community Led Development Fund (OIC CECLDF). These programmes ensure that local delivery aligns with national priorities while responding directly to community needs. For 2025/26, Orkney received a combined allocation of £299,607.51, including £100,000 for revenue projects and £199,607.51 for capital activity.
Recent projects supported through these funds highlight the creativity and ambition of Orkney’s communities. Initiatives have included improvements to community facilities, skills development programmes, feasibility studies and local place plans—demonstrating the wide range of ideas emerging from across the islands. A full list of 2024/25 CLLD projects is available on Orkney Islands Council’s CLLD webpage.
Speaking about her appointment, Amy said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Orkney Local Action Group. Having seen first-hand the positive impact the LAG has had, I feel privileged to help continue this important work. I look forward to working with partners to ensure we continue to deliver significant benefits for our communities.”
Councillor Kristopher Leask, Chair of Enterprise and Infrastructure on Orkney Islands Council, added:
“Our CLLD and CECLDF funds exist to support community-led solutions, and I look forward to working with Amy and the LAG to deliver that. I encourage residents and organisations to come forward with bold, locally driven proposals that will deliver real benefits across our islands.”
Looking ahead, the next round of CLLD funding is expected to open in spring, pending confirmation of allocations from the Scottish Government. The LAG anticipates accepting expressions of interest between late March and early April—offering another opportunity for communities to shape the future of their islands.
