Orkney Auction Mart Celebrates 30th Anniversary

That the Parliament congratulates the Orkney Auction Mart on recently celebrating its 30th year in operation; understands that the mart opened as a result of a merger between the Kirkwall Auction Mart and the West Mainland Mart, which saw a new purpose-built facility constructed across five acres at the Hatston Industrial Estate; recognises that, in addition to supporting the local livestock market, the mart has served the wider Orkney community as a central hub for farmers and crofters across Orkney to meet with each other, and as a venue for local voluntary and charitable organisations to host events; notes that in August 2026, the mart hosted the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society National Breed Show, a prestigious annual event, which saw 270 ponies from across the UK convene for an exciting day of competition and marked the largest equestrian event hosted in Orkney to date; understands that the mart has also been an invaluable resource for Orkney's Young Farmers Clubs, often serving as the site for stock judging and other competitions that are essential to building agricultural skills and experience for young people; thanks the staff of the Orkney Auction Mart for all that they do to support Orkney's thriving agricultural sector, congratulates them on this important milestone, and wishes them continued success throughout the years to come.