Hundreds of Orkney businesses are featured in a new directory - which also highlights the level of accessibility they provide for people with disabilities.

The information is to be made available in both printed and online versions, making this the most comprehensive guide of its kind ever published in the islands.

Altogether, around 940 companies and organisations provided information for the Orkney Business Directory and Access Guide.

They provide services ranging from accountancy and agricultural contracting through to yacht chartering and youth groups.

The initiative is a joint venture between Orkney Enterprise, Orkney Islands Council and the Orkney Disability Forum that attracted funding through the European Leader+ programme.

Orkney Enterprise chief executive Ken Grant said: "It's a very valuable and informative document and I would expect it to be as well used as a telephone directory."

A grading system developed by the disability forum is used to help readers assess the accessibility of each of the businesses, groups and organisations featured in the publication.

Jack Moodie, the Forum's co-ordinator, said: "Combining information about businesses and accessibility makes this a truly inclusive guide.

"We were delighted that so many of the businesses featured were willing to provide information about access for those with disabilities.

"This can range from whether they have a step at their door, to whether they have staff trained to help people with disabilities, to whether guide dogs are welcome.

"It will be really useful for people living locally and for the many people with disabilities who visit Orkney."

Morag Robertson, a development officer with the council, said she hoped the new guide would prove to be invaluable to people of all levels of ability.

"For the businesses themselves, it represents an excellent marketing tool," she said.

"I envisage that most people will keep a copy next to their phone and use it as a first port of call whenever they're looking for information about the vast range of products and services available in Orkney."

A special website is being developed to carry all the information included in the printed version of the guide.

In addition, the website will have a search facility with businesses categorised by name, by the sort of services they provide, by the level of accessibility they offer, and by location.

"We felt it was important to have an online version of the guide," said Steven Heddle, the business adviser and IT consultant brought in to manage the project.

"This will make the guide available to far more people, especially visitors looking for information before travelling to Orkney.

"It will also provide a simple and cost effective way to keep all the information up to date and to add new entries about businesses and organisations that aren't featured at present."

The printed version of the guide is available from Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Enterprise, Orkney Disability Forum, Voluntary Action Orkney, and the libraries in Kirkwall and Stromness. Copies are also being distributed to each of the isles.

The website can be visited at www.orkneybusinesses.co.uk