Oliver Reid, the chief executive of Orkney Islands Council, is currently on a period of special leave, with no indication of when he will return to his position. His absence has prompted the council to implement interim arrangements, where four corporate directors will take over his duties, each serving a month in the role. The first two months will be covered by Stephen Brown, who is associated with Orkney Health and Care, and James Wylie, who works in Education, Communities, and Housing. The council informed staff of Reid's leave on Monday but has refrained from commenting on the reasons for his absence or providing any timeline for his return. Reid has been with the Orkney Islands Council since January 2023, and his leadership role is crucial for the ongoing operations of the council during this uncertain period. The lack of information regarding the circumstances surrounding his leave has raised questions among staff and the community.