This time the council is asking individuals to book a 20-minute slot beforehand so that no-one has to wait to see a Licensing Officer. The times available are from 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm on Tuesday 4 July at the OIC Customer Services in Kirkwall.

To book a place call Licensing Officer, Kevan Price, on Monday 3 July on 01856 873535 ext 2246.

Kevan Price said: “The first information day at the end of May was a success with a number of hosts getting in contact and dropping in to seek out some additional support which we are, of course, delighted to provide.

“We want to reassure folk that we are here to help them through the process. For example, we were able to assist people with floor plans, fire safety issues, who can apply, where to source the relevant documents and the timescales involved. Whatever the query in relation to the application process, we are here to try our best to answer.

“Existing hosts have until 30 September 2023 to put forward a valid application. New hosts cannot operate until they have received a licence.”

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.

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

The council has a dedicated web page on short-term lets licensing to try and assist folk through the application process.