Archive News

Kerbside recycling collections will be for plastic bottles next week.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that this week’s announcements on the move to Phase One of the Scottish Government’s Route Map out of Lockdown will result in no immediate change to current public transport arrangements.

The Caring for People group, continue to meet virtually to work together to discuss how services can support individuals and communities in both responding to and recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A loan scheme to assist local businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis is launched today by Orkney Islands Council.

The phased re-opening of Orkney’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) is set to begin early next month.

Transport Scotland has announced that local authorities can now begin accepting and processing applications for the replacement and renewal of National Entitlement Cards, however, applications for new cards are still not being accepted at present.

Childcare Hubs ensure frontline workers can continue to play their part in the fight against the coronavirus — while home learning largely replaces traditional schooling in the county.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) are continuing to meet virtually to monitor the response to Covid-19 across Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council is to extend a food funding scheme that supports residents in the isles. 

Recycling collections are set to begin again on a phased basis for households in Orkney Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay – and will take place weekly over the next four weeks.

Orkney Health and Care, in partnership with public and voluntary-sector agencies from throughout Orkney, have produced a leaflet that provides details of where you can find help and support with your mental health and wellbeing, along with some tips on how to stay well.

A problem affecting Orkney Islands Council’s internet connections has been resolved.

The Council’s doors may remain closed as part of the nation’s ongoing coronavirus lockdown, but it’s very much “business as usual” for many of our own frontline workers.

Here, we take a closer look at the “front face” of the Local Authority – those customer service teams in Kirkwall and Stromness who have adapted to a new way of working in these challenging times.

Orkney Islands Council relies on its partnership working with Community Councils and this has never been so important as during the current challenging times.

The Council would like to thank all the volunteers for their commitment in ensuring the work of Community Councils continues – at a safe, social distance.

Orkney Islands Council is calling for a halt to moves by Highland and Islands Airports Limited to press ahead with plans to centralise air traffic control operations – at least until a full Islands Impact Assessment is carried out.

Orkney Islands Council is experiencing disruption to two of its main internet connections.

Revised arrangements have been put in place by Orkney Islands Council for consulting with the public on proposed plans for a wind farm development in Hoy.  As the development is classed as a 'major development' there is a requirement to submit a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the planning authority and carry out a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) – which usually would include a public event or exhibition.

With low water levels reported elsewhere in Scotland, Orkney Islands Council is offering some handy tips to people in the county with private water supplies – in case they experience similar problems later in the year.

Key agencies working to support the Orkney community during the coronavirus pandemic met virtually again today.

It’s been 75 years since the Churchill Barriers officially opened on 12 May 1945 - four days after Victory in Europe day.

Orkney Islands Council is keen to support all contracted suppliers through this difficult time to ensure that they are able either to continue to work with us through the crisis or, where that is not possible, to be in a position to resume normal service delivery when the outbreak is over.

We would firstly like to thank the Orkney public for their understanding and co-operation with the changes in how waste collections and Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) operate as a result of COVID-19, and for all the drawings and comments in support of Orkney’s refuse collection teams. Your thanks and support are truly appreciated, as they keep this essential service running every day.

The long-held aspiration to restore the Hall of Clestrain – birthplace and childhood home of Orcadian Arctic explorer Dr John Rae - moved a step closer this week, with funding secured from the Council’s Community Development Fund towards a feasibility works project.

Orkney Islands Council has established a council loan scheme to assist local businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Orkney Islands Council is encouraging those who are self-employed to go online and check to see if they are eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)  - which opens next week.

The Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group is supporting Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service in urging Orkney communities to stay safe in their homes during the continuing covid-19 pandemic.

Orkney Islands Council Leader, Councillor James Stockan, has described the Scottish Government’s decision to pass £155 million of funding from the UK Government in full to Councils as a ‘significant victory for local government’.

They come from all walks of life but have one thing in common – a willingness to help in whatever way necessary to support Orkney’s most vulnerable people as the nation continues to wage war on the coronavirus.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts to encourage people with non-coronavirus health concerns to seek help as they would have done before the outbreak.