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No indication when Orkney council chief on 'special leave' will return

News imageOrkney Islands Council Oliver Reid, of Orkney Council, will get £165,755 for running Scotland's smallest councilOrkney Islands Council
Oliver Reid currently receives £133,530 a year for running Scotland's smallest council

The chief executive of Orkney Islands Council has gone on a period of special leave with no indication when he will return.

Oliver Reid's leadership role is now being covered by four corporate directors who will each spend a month at a time carrying out his duties.

It is understood Mr Reid, who joined the council in January 2023, came in to work as usual on Monday morning.

The council has refused to comment on what has led to his absence from work or how long his special leave will last.

Council staff were informed of the news on Monday.

In a short statement, the authority said: "Oliver Reid is on a period of special leave and interim acting-up arrangements are in place."

It is believed Stephen Brown from Orkney health and care and James Wylie from education, communities and housing will cover the role for the first two months.

Reid's £133,530 salary is set to rise to £165,755 by November following a review of local authority heads' pay.