Not so long ago, Orkney could feed itself when it needed to – indeed some of the individual islands had times when the weather could prevent a boat from coming for several weeks. Today Orkney, like everywhere else, depends on the supermarket distribution system, and even a day or two of weather delays on the ferries can rapidly lead to empty shelves.

How far could Orkney get towards feeding itself again? UHI Orkney’s Agronomy and Agriculture Institute is looking at new crops with potential for Orkney, and its director, Dr Henry Creissen, highlights a range of crops for humans, and crops for animals as well. Gardener Ed Bollom describes the range of vegetables and fruit that can grow in exposed situations elsewhere, and the potential for expanding food-growing in all situations, from fields and gardens to pots and polycrubs. They put forward a list of actions for you to assess.

The Orkney Climate COP is supported by the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub.