A member of the local authority’s licensing team will be on hand at Customer Services in Kirkwall on Tuesday 30 May 2023 from 9.30am-12pm and 2pm-4pm to answer any questions.

Licensing officer Kevan Price said: “We will have the use of room two in the reception area so we can have a private discussion with those looking for further support in their application process, or if they have any questions they would like us to try our best to answer.

“If there’s a few people who happen to turn up at the same time, they may have to wait to speak to us, but we can advise at the time and ask that people bear with us.

“Like all local authorities throughout Scotland, the Council has been tasked with administering the new scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government and a number of hosts have successfully applied for their new licences through OIC – and a number of others are within the system.

“We are aware that there are potentially many more who are still considering the pros and cons of the process – and whether to go ahead or not. We are here to help.”

The Scottish Government has recognised the challenges and the deadline to apply has been extended by six months until 30 September 2023.

The council has a dedicated web page on short-term lets licensing which contains links to a wealth of information on the Scottish Government legislation, the application process, downloadable forms and fees.