Explanatory note

This Order gives effect (with minor modifications of a drafting nature) to proposals made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland for the future electoral arrangements for the area of Orkney Islands Council. The proposals follow on the review of the whole of Scotland undertaken by the Commission in terms of Schedule 5 to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The area of Orkney Islands Council is divided into 21 electoral wards as described in the Schedule to the Order. The Order has effect for the purposes of elections held after 30th April 1999 and will thus first apply as regards the ordinary election of councillors due to take place in May 1999.