Houses in Orkney have quadrupled in price in little more than 20 years, and the upward rise in population has stalled, with potential incoming workers unable to find anywhere affordable to rent or buy. Orkney is going back to the pre-oil pattern of young people forced to leave for opportunities elsewhere, and school rolls are falling, with the population slowly becoming an ageing one.

How many houses are needed? Luke Fraser draws on many years’ experience in Orkney’s housing sector to set out the figures. And in practical terms, how can Orkney gear up to build what’s needed? Stephen Kemp of Orkney Builders, a former president of the Scottish Building Federation, responds.

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