Introducing the Kirkwall BID Board and Staff
Kirkwall BID is led by a committed Board and a small, dedicated staff team who work collaboratively to support local businesses and enhance the vitality of Kirkwall town centre.
The Board is made up of representatives from across the local business community, bringing a wide range of experience, insight, and local knowledge. Together, they provide strategic direction, ensure strong governance, and help shape priorities that reflect the needs of levy payers.
The BID staff team is responsible for delivering projects and services on the ground, working closely with businesses, partners, and the wider community to promote Kirkwall as a thriving, welcoming place to live, work, shop, and visit.
United by a shared commitment to Kirkwall, the Board and staff play a vital role in driving positive change and supporting the town’s continued success.
Kirsty has spent her career right at the heart of major events, bringing people together, solving problems before anyone else even spots them, and keeping huge, high‑pressure operations running with a calm head and a sense of humour.
Her journey started in hospitality with Hilton, where she learned the foundations of great customer service and venue management. From there, she moved into the world of large‑scale events and never really looked back. Over the years she’s held key roles at some of the UK’s biggest and most complex projects: London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, Glasgow 2014, WorldSkills London, the European Championships, COP26, and the UCI Cycling World Championships.
Kirsty’s biggest professional milestone came as Games Director for Orkney2025, where she led the delivery of the 20th International Island Games. It was a massive undertaking: 2,000 athletes, 24 island groups, 12 sports, and the largest event Orkney has ever hosted.
Outside of work, Kirsty helps to coach and umpire netball at Firth Primary, supports the Orkney Folk Festival, serves on the Firth Community Hall committee, sits as a Trustee of The Pickaquoy Trust, and contributes to local planning through The Place Plan panel.
Kirsty is passionate about Kirkwall, its thriving businesses and everything she can do to support them.
Tell us a little about you and your role
Miriam joins the Kirkwall BID team as Events and Admin Co-ordinator, bringing strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills, along with creativity and genuine passion for events.
Her events journey began in 2013 while studying Events Management in Edinburgh. After graduating, she spent 8 years with an IT support company, starting as an Office Administrator before expanding into the role of Marketing and Content Co-Ordinator.
In 2024, Miriam returned home to Orkney and took on the exciting challenge of Producer for the 2025 St Magnus International Festival (a decade after completing events work experience with the organisation), followed by a busy Event Co-ordinator role within Orkney Islands Council.
Born and bred in Kirkwall, Miriam values community and the importance of supporting small and local businesses. She believes the town centre offers such an incredible range of businesses across all sectors, which showcase the local produce, crafts, hospitality, skills and talents that make Orkney unique. She’s proud and excited to support these businesses through Kirkwall BID and help bring fun and engaging events to the heart of Kirkwall.
Tell us a little about you and your role
I was born and brought up in Kirkwall, and I’ve always had a strong connection to the town centre. From a young age, my family taught me the importance of shopping locally and supporting independent businesses, something that has stayed with me ever since.
My role with Kirkwall BID covers social media, marketing, events and administrative support. I have a keen interest in business and I love seeing Kirkwall thriving - busy with people working, shopping, living in and visiting the town.
If I can play a part in supporting the town centre and helping Kirkwall continue to grow and succeed, I’m always keen to do so.
Tell us your favourite memory, event or thing you've been part of with Kirkwall BID since you joined
Some of my favourite parts of Kirkwall BID have been events like Dog Friendly Day, Girls’ Day Out, Costa del Kirkwall and the Winter Wonderland, as well as getting to meet and work with so many amazing business owners, both on and off the BID board.
Business name: VisitScotland
Tell us a little about your business and your role within it
As an economic growth agency, VisitScotland's core purpose is to drive the visitor economy and grow its value to Scotland. We look to attract investment into Scotland, help businesses to grow, and leverage tourism and events as a force for good for all of Scotland’s people and places.
Tell us a why you chose to join the Kirkwall BID Board, please tell us as much as possible
As Orkney Development Manager for VisitScotland I became a board member to be part of an effort to keep Kirkwall town centre thriving and make it even more inviting for visitors. I wanted to understand more about how Kirkwall BID delivers its ambition to support, enhance and promote Kirkwall and to see how VisitScotland could support that.
Tell us what you enjoy most about being on the Kirkwall BID Board
It is great to meet the business folk who keep Kirkwall bustling and to be part of a network of people so devoted to Orkney's economy. Together we get to help shape the future of Kirkwall and be part of its history. We can make a difference
Tell us your favourite memory, event or thing you've been part of with Kirkwall BID since you joined as a Director
The highlights for me are the brilliant events, particularly the Hallowe'en Parade. To see hundreds of kids and parents making such an effort with their costumes brings a wonderful sense of community. And walking with them through the town behind our Kirkwall Pipe Band brings a real sense of pride. The recent Girls' Day Out events have also been huge fun and it is heartening to see the shops buzzing and knowing that BID is making a difference.
What would you say to someone thinking to join the Board of Directors?
Join in and be part of something that can make a positive difference, not just to Kirkwall but to Orkney. It's a great way to meet people and understand more about what makes Kirkwall tick. There is one board meeting a month and an events meeting every quarter so the time commitment is not huge. If you cannot commit to being on the board, we could always use help to deliver the events, even if it is now and again. Do get in touch with the board or our Manager if you can help in any way.
Tell us a little about your business and your role within it
Owner of Orkney Distilling
Why did you choose to join the Kirkwall BID Board?
To assist for a period with the board decisions of BID, as the work that BID has done has been so valuable for Kirkwall
Tell us your favourite memory, event or thing related to Kirkwall BID?
I enjoyed the beach in Broad Street. We were involved in helping set it all up and it was good to see how it all worked so well
What would you say to someone thinking to join the Board of Directors?
Kirkwall doesn't have one of the nicest town centres in the UK by chance - it's down to the dedication and hard work (over a long period of time) of lots and lots of people who love and work in the Street.
Tell us a little about your business and your role within it
We are your local Community Pharmacy located at 43 Victoria St in Kirkwall. We supply prescription medicines and can help you with all your healthcare needs. I am the HR Director for our 9 pharmacies, across Shetland, Orkney and Caithness.
We have over 100 employees!
I also control our marketing profile and budget, as well as producing all our advertising.
Why did you choose to join the Kirkwall BID Board?
Encouraging our communities to shop local will keep our town centre alive and Kirkwall BID plays a vital role in that. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to achieving that aim.
Tell us your favourite memory, event or thing related to Kirkwall BID?
I love Xmas time, getting our peedie trees and the special shopping events! Encouraging foot fall across all our town centre businesses is key to everyone having a brilliant Festive season.
What would you say to someone thinking to join the Board of Directors?
Kirkwall BID works hard to keep our town centre an attractive and vibrant place to shop, eat and visit, supporting local businesses and the local economy. If these things are important to you then get involved and make a difference.
Tell us a little about your business and your role within it
Sheila Fleet Jewellery has been in the heart of Kirkwall since 1999, when Sheila opened her first retail gallery on Bridge Street, expanding beyond her workshop in Tankernes. Inspired by Orkney's breathtaking landscape's, rich history and vibrant culture, Sheila's distinctive jewellery has become a much loved part of island life and a treasured keepsake for visitors from around the world. I am the Manager of the Kirkwall Gallery at 30 Bridge Street. With six years of dedicated experience with Sheila at The Kirk Gallery & Cafe, I took on the role of Kirkwall Manager in April 2024. We take immense pride in providing a warm, bespoke service while showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Orkney. Along side Sheila's iconic jewellery collections, we offer a carefully curated selection of local and British made giftware.
Why did you choose to join the Kirkwall BID Board?
Kirkwall BID's role in supporting, protecting and shaping the future of our town centre is incredibly important. Orkney's strong sense of community is at the heart of the island life, and serving on the board provides the opportunity to work alongside fellow businesses to ensure our town centre continues to thrive. By working together, we can continue to make Kirkwall a vibrant and welcoming destination that both locals and visitors can enjoy, whether they are shopping for gift's, meeting friend's, dining out or carrying out their everyday errands. Joining the board was also an opportunity for me to represent Sheila Fleet Jewellery and the wider jewellery and creative industry within Orkney, ensuring that our sector has a voice in discussions about the future of the town centre and the continued success of local businesses.
Tell us your favourite memory, event or thing related to Kirkwall BID?
I have always enjoyed the Girls Day Out event, so I was delighted when it returned after Covid. The atmosphere around the town on this day is fantastic, and it's wonderful to see so many people out enjoying everything our local businesses have to to offer.
What would you say to someone thinking to join the Board of Directors?
I would encourage anyone who is passionate about Kirkwall and it's future to consider joining the Board of Directors. It is a rewarding opportunity to work with other enthusiastic people, share ideas and help make a positive difference to our town centre. Every business and organisation brings a unique perspective, and having a range of voices around the table is what helps the BID continue to grow and deliver meaningful benefits to the community.
