Islanders with the task of helping four Orkney communities build themselves sustainable futures meet together next week to discuss how aspirations are being turned into reality.

The three local development officers (LDOs) have a key role to play in progressing initiatives designed to boost the prosperity of Eday, Stronsay, Sanday and North Ronaldsay.

The four outer North Isles are now part of the Scottish Executive's Initiative at the Edge - and are developing home grown solutions to problems such as population decline.

With funding from Orkney Enterprise, Orkney Islands Council, Communities Scotland and the Crofters' Commission, the LDOs have been appointed to work for development trusts in each of the isles.

Normally based in the islands they serve, Rosemary Seagrief (LDO for Sanday and North Ronaldsay), Kate Townsend (part-time LDO for Eday) and Andrew Want (part-time LDO for Stronsay) will be in Kirkwall next week for two days of discussions with agencies involved in supporting the initiative.

They will also have the opportunity to share the experiences of Sam Harcus, who was appointed as LDO for Westray and Papa Westray after the two islands were included in Initiative at the Edge five years ago.

Ruth Kirkpatrick, senior development manager at Orkney Enterprise, said: "We're delighted that the appointment of the LDOs is already starting to make a real difference to the lives of people living in Sanday, North Ronaldsay, Eday and Stronsay.

"It's great to see some of the smaller, easily-achievable projects already underway and progress being made towards longer term ambitions such as tackling housing shortages and engaging with the growing renewables sector."

Jeremy Baster, the council's development director, said: "It's been clearly shown that to benefit from Initiative at the Edge, there has to be strong commitment from the communities involved - and LDOs in place to assist those communities turn ideas into reality.

"I'm confident that the new LDOs will be instrumental in helping the latest Orkney communities to be included in Initiative at the Edge to make real progress with the plans they're developing."

In Eday, projects under development include new footpaths, a leaflet aimed at walkers, an upgrade of the island's youth hostel and a licensed café islanders hope to open later this year.

LDO Kate Townsend said: "I decided to go for the job because a good proportion of the population in Eday is interested in playing a part in taking things forward for the island."

Rosemary Seagrief is convinced she has taken on "the best job in the world" as the LDO for Sanday and North Ronaldsay.

 "It's great because I'm working to create a sustainable future for people I know in a place I love," she said.

A comprehensive skills survey is currently underway in Sanday to help the trust create opportunities for work, learning, and fun - to improve the whole community's quality of life.  

In North Ronaldsay, a cycle hire venture is due to open for business later this year, providing visitors with a new way to explore Orkney's most remote island community. Progress is also being made in an ambitious project to develop former lighthouse buildings for the good of the community - with the next phase involving the creation of a tea room and office accommodation.

Developments planned for Stronsay include a new recreation area for the islands' children, an investigation into ways the community could benefit from renewable energy, and a housing needs survey.

"We're even looking into the possibilities of restoring an unusual tidal-flushed toilet in Whitehall village," said LDO Andrew Want. "It's fair to say that this is a job that involves many challenges."