Enjoying the rollercoaster ride
OIC convener, Councillor Stephen Hagan, looks back at his first 12 months in the hot seat.
(Story dated May 27, 2004)

Sitting behind a massive desk in a fairly plush office at School Place, Stephen Hagan is every bit the convener.

His commanding Irish accent, which can also be found guiding in the cattle on his Westray farm, is a formidable sound in the council chamber.

The 50-year-old has spent his first 12 months in office as convener the man at the helm of the council and celebrates 10 years as councillor for Westray and Papa Westray with Eday joining later.

Born in Newry, County Down, Councillor Hagan moved to Orkney 18 years ago to take over his father-in-law's 350 acre farm on Westray with his wife, Linda.

'Linda became district nurse on the island at that time and I was a civil engineer, he explained.'

The couple have four children - Ruth,24, an occupational therapist in Ayr; Julie, 22, who is studying architecture in Edinburgh; Stuart, 20, who looks after the family farm; and the baby of the bunch, 14-year-old Kirsty.

The past year has been a steep learning curve but something the convener obviously relishes.

'I feel very fortunate in taking over a council that was in good heart and which I believe is now building on the good work done during the last term.

'I am pleased that the council were prepared to appoint someone from the islands which clearly shows that there is no bias towards the area.'

There are a number of issues facing Orkney Islands Council that have been inherited and which need to be addressed.

The battle for additional core funding rumbles on, but it is a fight that the convener is not willing to give up easily.

'It will not go away in the short term. It continues to be a hard fight, but not one we are willing to give up. The per capita shortfall compared to the other island authorities has now reached £700 per head of population and we find this totally unacceptable.'

'An additional £300,000 on top of the Scottish Executive allocation this year is really a drop in the ocean in comparison to the shortfall but is nevertheless welcome, he explained.'

But as to the tactics Councillor Hagan intends to use in the renewed battle for cash, the convener is uncertain what more they can do to prove Orkney's case.

'There is very little we can bring that is new. The case is there and is strong and is acknowledged by Scottish Executive ministers. A report is now being finalised which will form the basis of our discussions with Andy Kerr, Finance Minister, when he visits Orkney on the 2nd August'.

'Something which I have been pleased about is that we have made huge strides in our budget setting process over the past year, Councillor Hagan said. We have a budget strategy working group, which has resulted in extra work and meetings to attend, but it has meant the whole process is now much more focused and inclusive, involving more members at an early stage.

Each committee chairman, vice-chairman and service directors are given the opportunity to come and present their priorities to the group. We are then in a position to make recommendations to the Policy and Resources committee and then to Full Council. I do believe our service provision is of a high standard bearing in mind the limited resources available. If we didn't use some of our reserves then there is no doubt that the level of services provided would have to be cut. My vision is for a council that improves services not cuts them.'

The identified need for social rented housing and affordable housing for first time buyers is a top priority, he continued.

'We are urgently looking at ways whereby the council can help with some of the clearly identified housing problems. I'm confident that there are solutions and I'm hoping to have a seminar with members before the Council recess in July to discuss options which can then be put to the next cycle of committees.'

However, transport is an area that the convener feels has actually improved over the past few years.

It is an issue which is close to his heart living on one of the North Isles.

'Improvements in the quality and frequency of our external ferry services have been welcome and we look forward to increased reliability which the recently installed ILS (instrument landing system) will provide. Public Service Obligation's (PSO's) are now essential on external air routes to make them affordable.'

'We will be looking to the Scottish Executive to support our plans for ferry replacements and service provision to the islands. This is being consulted on at present.'

Some of the outer islands and rural areas of Orkney have been hardest hit by depopulation, although Councillor Hagan is pleased to report that Papay, within his ward, has bucked the trend.

'There is a need to regenerate the islands and it's not an easy task. It is important that we bring as many services as possible to the people and so not only improve their quality of life but also create more jobs in these areas. That's why I fully support the new care centres in Dounby and Westray. Supporting existing businesses and encouraging new ones to develop is also vital.'

'Papay's population dropped to 50 ten years ago. It is now back up to 70, a 40% increase. The school roll, including those attending the Westray school, has gone from 6 to 14. One reason for the increase has been the willingness of folk to make derelict properties available on the market. Papay has been a boom building site for the last few years.'

While councillors deal with a whole range of issues at present the convener believes it is important to look forward and plan to ensure Orkney's future as a vibrant sustainable community.

'It is a huge challenge which I am enjoying. I welcome the support (and advice) from other members whom I like to involve as much as possible.'

Councillor Hagan's new role has meant reducing the farm's cattle stock as his time on the island is limited by council commitments at home and away.

'One of the biggest difficulties is managing my time. It's important that Orkney has strong representation and I need to prioritise what meetings and events I attend. However, I'm ably assisted by other members with this. I think I'm getting better at it.'

But he is determined to find some spare time to rekindle his passion for golf and get to the gym more regularly.

'It is important to get a break and I enjoy time away with the family. Plans are afoot to celebrate my parents' diamond wedding in August in Ireland and a visit to my brother in America during the October holidays.'

Councillor Hagan has close links with the kirks on the island and is secretary of the Westray Baptist Church.

'It's good to live on an island with active churches and it's encouraging that they work so closely together.'

He will remain in post for the next three years.