OIC News
Results for the recent Community Council elections in Orkney have been published by Orkney Islands Council.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council, James Stockan, has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to include the Northern and Western Isles in a multi-million pounds support scheme for renewable energy.
Work starts later this week to refresh the runways at Sanday and Westray – using recycled road surface material.
Work has begun on a replacement for St Peter's House, with a ceremonial turf cutting taking place.
Tribute has been paid to Chief Executive Alistair Buchan’s 25 years of service with Orkney Islands Council.
A film aimed at encouraging people to consider homecare as a career is being launched by Orkney Islands Council.
Voters in eight community council areas in Orkney are reminded the cut-off date for returning their ballot papers to Orkney Islands Council is this Thursday, 12 October, at 17:00.
Orkney Islands Council is seeking views on its draft Sustainable Procurement Policy, which looks at how the Council buys goods and services in a way that benefits the local community.
Pupils from Kirkwall Grammar School had the chance this week to try their hand traditional building skills, with help from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and the Kirkwall Townscape Heritage Initiative (KTHI).
The stunning anchor on Foreland Road, Kirkwall, designed especially for Orkney to help mark 20 years of Friends of ANCHOR – the Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary which provides care for cancer and haematology patients - is due to be collected tomorrow (Thursday 5 October) ready to be shipped back to Aberdeen.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the opportunity to put the case to MSPs for measures that will make a difference to the lives of people in island communities.
This Saturday (7 October) sees the opening of a new exhibition of paintings, drawings and monoprints at the Orkney Museum, Tankerness House, Kirkwall, by Stromness artist Mirran Hall.
Orkney has received its final cruise call of the season.
Voters in Orkney are reminded that their Community Council ballot papers must be returned by October 12.
A ceremony in Stromness this weekend will bestow the Freedom of Orkney upon explorer Dr John Rae.
Local businesses are being reminded about the Council’s forthcoming ‘Meet the Buyer’ day – as the final programme for the event is announced.
Orkney Islands Council has given its approval for the purchase of a new pilot launch.
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will hold a public meeting in Orkney on Monday evening (2 October).
A Sustainable Energy Strategy for Orkney was launched as part of the official opening of the world leading Surf ‘n’ Turf project.
The pioneering Surf 'n' Turf hydrogen community energy project has been launched in Orkney by the Scottish Government's Business, Innovation and Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse.
Groups in Orkney who are looking to carry out a community based project are being urged to consider applying for Orkney Islands Council’s ‘perfect package’ of funding – the LEADER fund and the Community Development Fund.
The Council is reminding residents of funding that could help cut fuel bills and keep homes warm this winter.
Ideas for highlighting Kirkwall’s heritage are being displayed to the public early next month.
A unique opportunity to research the history of Orkney’s Highland Park Distillery is on offer at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Ballot papers for elections to Orkney’s community councils are being sent out to voters next week.
Households in Orkney will now be able to recycle aerosols, kitchen foil and foil tray products as part of the fortnightly green bin collections.
Orkney Islands Council trading standards and Police Scotland have issued a warning after reports that traders visiting the area are offering machinery, tools and other goods for sale.
The contract for the construction of the replacement St Peter's House in Stromness has been awarded to local company Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd.
Two of the team involved in an independent review of Scotland’s care system have been in Orkney to learn from the experiences of local people.
Tender documents for the construction of a multi-million pound research and innovation campus in Stromness are to be published this week.
Folk living on Orkney's inner and outer isles are set to benefit from a new membership option under Orkney's ActiveLife scheme.
Orkney Islands Council has teamed up with the Pickaquoy Centre and Stromness Swimming Pool to reward young people completing accredited awards through youth work in the county, including Dynamic Youth and Youth Achievement.
Orkney Islands Council’s Head of Infrastructure and Strategic Projects, Darren Richardson, has reminded motorists to drive carefully following this morning’s heavy rainfall.
Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee will this week (Tuesday 12 September) consider a report on the continued growth of the tourism industry in the county.
Local businesses who are interested in doing business with the public sector in Orkney are being invited to attend a 'Meet the Buyer' event next month.
The deadline for nominations from people wanting to stand for their local Community Council has been extended until 17.00 on Monday 18 September.
Local artists and craft makers can hear from a Stromness-based metalworker, Fiona Sanderson, about how a scheme run by the Council has helped boost her skills, at a workshop this Wednesday evening (6 September).
Shapinsay residents are advised of a change to their recycling collection this week.
The dedicated volunteers who run Orkney’s halls and community centres will come together this week for the annual Halls Event.
The Orkney Harbours website has been refreshed with a brand new look
Scotland’s Travelling Gallery returns to Orkney next week (9 September) featuring works by artist Lauren Printy Currie.
The Council will be carrying out essential repairs to Albert Street, Bridge Street and Victoria Street, Kirkwall, over the latter part of this week and next week.
A further call has gone out for nominations for the 2017 Community Council elections – with a reminder of some of the key projects that Orkney’s community councils have been involved in over the last few years.
A new Council initiative to help people in Orkney turn food waste into garden compost has proved a great success with a special offer on food and garden waste digesters selling out in less than 24 hours.
Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Housing Association are holding a Tenants Day on Friday 1 September.
Stroll through centuries of stories buried within the grounds of St Magnus Cathedral, with the help of a new self-guided tour of the graveyard.
Orkney Islands Council has welcomed a Scottish Government scheme to significantly reduce ferry fares on routes between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.
Orkney’s electors are being asked to complete their annual Electoral Registration Household Enquiry Form.
Scaffolding is being put up ahead of work to replace fascia, soffit and barge boards fitted at Papdale Halls of Residence in Kirkwall.
Elections for Orkney’s 20 Community Councils are now underway.
With pupils returning to school on Tuesday, the chair of the local Road Safety Forum is reminding local drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads.
Ever wondered what’s involved in wildlife recording? Head along to a ‘Bio Blitz’ in Happy Valley this Saturday 19 August.
A scheme aimed at helping local artists and craftspeople take their creative and business ideas to the next level is open again for applications, following renewed backing from Creative Scotland.
An initiative to promote the safe use of gas in homes and businesses is being undertaking by Orkney Islands Council’s Environmental Health Team.
There will be road closures in Stromness on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week to enable road repairs to be carried out.
Pupils across Orkney will today (Tuesday 8 August) be receiving their examination results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The Council is advising householders to think ahead to winter – with funding available to keep homes warm and cut fuel bills.
Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government of £1.7 million in funding towards a major upgrade of the harbour at Pierowall in Westay.
The first aircraft landing on the deck of a moving ship was marked today (Wednesday 2 August) in Orkney – with the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft carrier forming an impressive background to the centenary commemoration.
The Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier is expected to visit Scapa Flow tomorrow (Wednesday 2 August) – 100 years to the day since a plane landed on the deck of a moving ship for the first time.
A new memorial to pioneering pilot Edwin Dunning will be unveiled in Orkney tomorrow (Wednesday 2 August).
Work on a major renovation of the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum in Lyness looks set to start in spring next year.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has advised Orkney Islands Council that a grant of up to £1.155 million has been approved for the project.
Are you struggling to keep your home warm during the colder weather? Would you like to cut your household fuel bills?
Three archbishops and nine bishops are about to undertake an historic pilgrimage to Orkney to mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus.
Landowners in Orkney are being invited to put forward possible sites for a substantial wind energy project.
The Royal Navy pilot who completed the first ever aircraft landing on a moving ship is to be remembered in Orkney on the 100th anniversary of his landmark achievement.
A century-old brochure marking the launch of HMS Vanguard is just one of the items on display at the Orkney Museum telling the story of the life and tragic sinking of the vessel 100 years ago.
Orkney’s Road Safety Forum is calling for parents to visit a free car seat clinic in Kirkwall next week, to help combat common mistakes.
A new project that will enable users of Orkney Health and Care’s Lifestyles Service to participate in creative workshops and create a lasting work of art has received funding through the Orkney LEADER programme.
Kirbuster Museum, an historic farm steading dating from as early as 1595, is celebrating thirty years as a Council-run museum this weekend.
Have you been out on a walk lately and spotted an unusual creature or plant that you didn’t recognise?
The new Leaders of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to the Islands Bill at a meeting of the Islands Strategic Group chaired by Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands.
The Council’s ‘Team Stromness’ scheme – a regeneration effort spanning the last ten years – has been shortlisted in this year’s Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.
Feedback is invited following a review of the Orkney’s core paths network.
The massive loss of life when a Royal Navy battleship was blown apart at Scapa Flow was remembered today (Sunday 9 July), exactly 100 years since disaster struck HMS Vanguard.
Orkney’s newly elected Councillors have started the budget planning process in preparation for considerable financial challenges in the year ahead.
Orkney Islands Council is managing its investments well, according to a recent report considered by the new Council
Orkney Islands Council has taken over ownership of a Pelamis marine energy device for a nominal sum.
Feedback will be invited from Monday (10 July) following a review of the Orkney’s core paths network.
Musicians from the Royal Marines will make a poignant return visit to Orkney this weekend, where they will play at a special concert as part of the HMS Vanguard commemorations.
Two of Orkney’s Councillors have been appointed to senior roles within CoSLA, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
A specially designed anchor has gone on display in Orkney to help mark the 20th anniversary of Aberdeen-based charity Friends of ANCHOR.
The Orkney Library and Archive is looking to hear the views of local folk about the services they provide.
A new public consultation group is about to provide feedback for the first time.
Scottish Ministers advised all local authority verifiers on 29 June 2017 that the planned changes to building warrant fees will apply from 1 July 2017. Consequently charges for all building warrant related applications received on or after 1 July 2017 will be calculated in accordance with the revised Fees table.
Forty descendants of men who died aboard HMS Vanguard will lay wreaths above the wreck next month to mark 100 years since the ship went down.
The award of £330,000 from the Scottish Government towards an initiative to help Orkney’s young people find fulfilling jobs and careers has been welcomed today (Monday 26 June).
Nine community projects across Orkney have recently benefited from funding from Orkney’s LEADER fund.
Former residents gathered this week to mark seven decades since the opening of Orkney’s original school hostel.
The possibility of creating a large scale wind farm as an important source of income for Orkney is to be investigated fully by the Council.
The winners have been announced of a competition offering a guided tour and lunch aboard the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship during a visit to Orkney in July.
A plan that will guide development activity in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters has picked up a prestigious national award.
Orkney Islands Council has launched two new services to help raise awareness of recycling in Orkney.
The launch has been announced of a major new community archaeology research and training project in Orkney.
Leader of Orkney Islands Council, James Stockan, has welcomed the publication of an Islands Bill by the Scottish Government.
A library created by children in 1860s Orkney is challenging ideas of stiff Victorian upbringings and childhoods confined to nurseries.
Orkney will welcome Royal visitors later this week when Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway travel to the islands to mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus.
Orkney Fair Trade Group is celebrating the county’s renewed accreditation as a Fairtrade Zone – a region where Fairtrade is widely sold, promoted, supported and understood.
Eight lucky people will get the chance to tour the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship when it is in Orkney on Friday 7 July.
Scottish Liberal Democrats candidate Alistair Carmichael has been re-elected to serve as MP for Orkney and Shetland.
An iconic and rare wooden racing boat once at risk of ruin has been brought back from the brink in Orkney, following eighteen months of painstaking restoration by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Business Gateway Orkney are to run two drop in sessions in Stromness this summer.
Two centuries of everyday moments captured by people around the world is on show in Kirkwall and Stromness libraries, in a collaboration with London-based artist Dylan Stone.
Commemorations will be held this summer to mark the huge loss of life when a Royal Navy battleship was blown apart while at anchor at Scapa Flow in Orkney.
Organisations across Orkney will come together over next week (28 May to 3 June 2017) to raise awareness of dementia within the local community.
The multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) has met after the terrorism threat level in the UK was raised to critical.
Councillors and council staff joined people across the UK in observing a minute’s silence at 11 this morning as a mark of respect following the Manchester terrorist attack.
Postal voting packs for the forthcoming UK Parliamentary Election on 8 June will start arriving through Orkney letterboxes from today (Tuesday 23 May).
Poll cards will be arriving through Orkney letterboxes this weekend for all those eligible to vote at the forthcoming UK Parliamentary General Election on 8 June
Education Scotland has published the findings of an inspection visit to Evie Community School.
Westray residents have the opportunity to find out more about results of a survey last winter into health and care services on the island, at a drop in event on Tuesday (23 May).
An event is being held in Orkney on Friday 19 May looking at redesigning community justice and how it can help improve the community and lives within that community.
Elected Members have appointed Orkney Islands Council's Convener, Leader and Depute Leader.
Orkney Islands Council is advising of a temporary closure of its Shore Street car park (also known as the Waterfront East car park) for a period of around 10 weeks, starting 1 June, to enable construction of the next stage of the Kirkwall Flood Prevention Scheme, around the Kirkwall Pier entrance and the Shore Street car park.
A new course in hospitality designed for people with learning difficulties is launched tomorrow (16 May 2017) by Orkney College UHI.
Poll cards for the Parliamentary General Election will be sent out from Monday (15 May), hot on the heels of last week’s Orkney Islands Council elections.
The Council has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project to delve into the landscapes, seascapes and places where the Magnus story unfolded.
Six candidates have put their names forward to stand for the Orkney and Shetland constituency in the UK Parliamentary Election in June.
Orkney’s marine energy sector will have a strong presence at a major renewables industry event that gets underway in Glasgow today (Wednesday, 10 May).
Orkney Islands Council is advising of road works planned to start on Pickaquoy Road on Monday 15 May, in the vicinity of the junction with Tesco.
A poem by Orkney school pupil Erin Dundas portraying the grief stricken aftermath of the Battle of Jutland has been read out an event in London whose attendees included the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Gordon Messenger, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond.
A total of 18 candidates were elected across the five contested wards: Kirkwall East, Kirkwall West and Orphir, West Mainland, East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray and North Isles.
The Notice of Election for June’s General Election has been published today.
Returning Officer for Orkney, Alistair Buchan, has formally declared the result of the uncontested election in the Stromness and South Isles ward.
Orkney Islands Council’s Elections team is reminding local voters with a postal vote that their completed votes must be returned to the Council by 22.00 on polling day.
From Tuesday May 2, the Council's recycling centres will change over to summer opening times.
The Council is advising that 3D scanning of the First Churchill Barrier will now start on Friday 28 April, when suitable weather conditions are forecast.
There will be no refuse collections on the May Day Holiday, Monday 1 May 2017. Chinglebraes Waste Transfer Station, Bossack Landfill Site and all the recycling centres will be closed.
A reminder that ‘first hour free’ parking ends soon, with summer tariffs starting on Monday 1 May in Council carparks in central Kirkwall and Stromness.
Ernie Skea from Orkney Islands Council’s Community Learning and Development Team has been recognised for his work helping the county’s young people make a difference to the lives of their peers.
The counting of votes for the Orkney and Shetland Constituency in the upcoming General Election will take place in Orkney.
Senior pupils at Orkney’s two biggest secondary schools have been busy over the last few months preparing themselves for the local elections on May 4.
With two weeks to go until the local council elections, Orkney Islands Council’s elections team is reminding voters to check where their polling station is