Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Latest news
The Council Offices reception in Kirkwall will reopen to the public on Wednesday 12 August, initially on reduced hours from 10am-3pm, Monday to Friday.
The Board of Orkney Ferries has made a direct appeal to the Scottish Government for emergency funding to offset the damaging impact on the company of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Schools in Orkney will reopen in full during August following the Scottish Government announcement last week.
Ministers have signed off on a plan which will see pupils back in the classroom by the middle of the month.
Orkney Islands Council is delighted to confirm that from Monday 3 August grass pitches will be reopened for bookings.
From Tuesday 4 August both Hatston and Garson Household Waste Recycling Centres will again be able to accept waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Public toilets at a number of rural and outer isles sites will re-open next week (from Monday, August 3)
Public toilets at four more sites will re-open on Monday 27 July.
Bus timetables for Orkney Mainland and the linked South Isles return to normal from Monday 27 July.
Orkney Islands Council will be collecting glass bottles and jars during next week’s kerbside collections starting on Monday 20 July.
Orkney Islands Council is advising people to be prepared for the possibility of short delays when using the Household Waste Recycling Centres at Hatston and Garson.
Orkney Ferries are reminding customers that all travel on their ferries needs to be booked in advance, whether the booking is for foot passengers only or with a vehicle.
Orkney Islands Council is planning to start re-opening public toilets later this week.
In line with guidance from the Depute Registrar General and the Scottish Government, registration services are provided in Orkney subject to the following restrictions:
St Magnus Cathedral will reopen for private prayer and reflection from Tuesday 21 July.
Whilst Scotland slowly eases its way out of lockdown a number of restrictions and requirements, aimed at keeping staff and site users safe, are still in place, impacting on the ways in which we can operate.
Our Hatston and Garson household waste recycling centres will be accepting black bag waste from Tuesday 14 July – along with garden waste, cardboard and bulky household waste.
Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Service is currently working to reopen their 3G pitches from the 13 July in line with the Scottish Government Route Map.
The Community Support Hub call centre at the Pickaquoy Centre is changing its opening hours from Monday 13 July, to Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 14:00.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that there are only a few days left to apply for a grant from the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
The deadline is 5pm on Friday 10 July.
Our recycling centres at Hatston and Garson will be accepting bulky household waste from Tuesday, July 7 – in addition to garden waste and cardboard.
A number of Orkney Islands Council’s housing services will soon be available again, in line with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.
Orkney Ferries is set to bring in enhanced timetables from Monday 6 July following consultation with Community Councils in the North and South Isles.
Businesses in Orkney who have previously received financial assistance through Scottish Government business grant schemes or the Council's Business Hardship Support Fund are to receive an additional payment from the Council's £5m Coronavirus Support Fund.
Orkney Islands Council is to provide two support services for the children of Category 1 key workers over the summer holiday period.
Orkney Islands Council’s collection of sculpture can now be viewed online as part of a nationwide Art UK project.
Two Stromness Academy pupils have been successful in winning a £4,000 grant for the Samaritans of Orkney.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding the community that face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday (22 June) in line with Scottish Government requirements.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council is warning that Scottish Government objectives for the reopening of schools will be ‘undeliverable’ in the county.
Orkney Islands Council's recycling centres at Hatston and Garson will be accepting heavy corrugated cardboard - as well as garden waste - from Tuesday 23 June.
Over the last two weeks Hatston and Garson Household Waste Recycling Centres have collected a large amount of garden waste and are expecting more to come.
Kerbside recycling collections are to continue with the current four-week cycle of single material types for households in Orkney Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay.
Orkney Islands Council is warning local people that, despite the potential lifting of some national travel restrictions this week by the Scottish Government, opportunities to travel locally by bus, plane and ferry will still be limited due to capacity constraints arising from social distancing.
Birthday Honours list delayed to allow for Covid-19 recognition
The Queen’s Birthday Honours List has been delayed until the autumn this year to allow for recognition of people who have made “exceptional contribution” to the national Covid-19 response.
S2 pupils at Stromness Academy have created their own virtual newspaper – Lockdown Lowdown – documenting the biggest news story of the century so far.
The Community Support Hub call centre at the Pickaquoy Centre is changing its opening hours from Monday, June 29 to Monday to Friday, 09:00 -17:00.
Orkney Islands Council is encouraging all companies who provide contracted services to the council to apply for assistance under the Supplier Relief Scheme.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group – OLECG, made up of representatives from a broad range of organisations, including the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector, continue to meet virtually during this pandemic.
The Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) at Hatston and Garson are set to reopen on Tuesday (June 2) - and will initially accept only garden waste.
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.
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.
Key agencies working to support the Orkney community during the coronavirus pandemic met virtually again today.
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.
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.
A support initiative for businesses experiencing hardship is launched today by Orkney Islands Council (Friday 1 May).
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.
Orkney Islands Council has taken steps to make sure supplies of free dog poo bags are still available for people to use.
The flag at the Council offices in Kirkwall is flying at half mast as part of the nationwide tribute to key workers who have lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council is engaged in discussions on whether an islands-based approach should be considered for tackling the spread of Covid-19 – and for the eventual lifting of coronavirus restrictions.
Following feedback, Orkney Islands Council has reopened some of its public toilets for key workers to use while making essential journeys as part of their work.
A fund to assist vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic has been set up by Orkney Islands Council.
Orkney Foodbank has seen a “phenomenal” response from local folk through increased financial and food donations since Coronavirus started impacting – and last week received a further contribution of goods from a Grampian-based charity involved in fighting hunger and tackling food waste.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding pilots that recreational flights should not be made to North Isles airfields during the coronavirus crisis.
In these uncertain times keeping fit and healthy is vital for a lot of people in Orkney. Therefore, it’s great that so many of Orkney’s fitness class instructors are hosting virtual classes.
Orkney Islands Council has asked contractors to provide a limited grounds maintenance service during the coronavirus outbreak.
You can now apply for a council tax reduction online through our new customer services platform, MyOrkney.
A funding mechanism has been established by Orkney Islands Council to support isles residents in buying goods from the isles shops.
With internal ferry travel restrictions currently in place due to Covid-19, isles residents are mainly reliant on island-based shops for their shopping rather than mainland supermarkets - where prices may be cheaper.
Orkney Islands Council has established an initial £5m fund to support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund will be set up to provide grants and loans and comes primarily from the Strategic Reserve Fund and supplemented by a mix of Crown Estate funding and the Council's Renewable, Redevelopment and Regeneration Fund.
A second wave of people identified as most at risk from Covid-19 are to receive essential assistance thanks to a new national helpline, which will work in partnership with the Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) has thanked people across the county for their response to the coronavirus pandemic and urged that measures to slow the spread of infection continue to be followed.
Nearly £3 million has been awarded by Orkney Islands Council in Government grants to businesses to help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council is appealing for people to avoid leaving domestic waste outside Household Recycling Centres, which are now closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Childcare for the children of keyworkers continues to be on offer over the Easter holiday period - to help parents and carers play their part in Orkney’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key agencies working to support the Orkney community during the coronavirus pandemic met today in response to the latest developments in the outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council is accepting applications for welfare benefits via two funding streams – Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
A reduction in Council Tax can also be applied for.
The “tremendous effort” by staff and volunteers in bringing the new Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub to fruition has been praised.
An appeal for people with available accommodation to get in touch with the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) has met with a strong response.
Orkney Islands Council has published an online guide to the household waste collection arrangements that will operate during the coronavirus outbreak.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met today in response to the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to the changes to ferry timetables, refuse collections in Hoy have now been scheduled for Wednesdays, with the first collection being tomorrow – 01 April 2020.
Orkney Public Protection Chief Officer’s Group are urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for children who may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect during the COVID-19 coronavirus public health emergency. It’s now more important than ever for members of the public to speak up if they’re concerned about a child or children.
Representatives from a broad range of business sectors have begun discussions with Orkney’s newly established Economic and Business Response and Recovery Group on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
A call centre to provide essential information and support to the most vulnerable people in Orkney has been established which will open formally on Monday.
The NHS is notifying all those most at risk – and for whom the new service is aimed at - by letter.
Following recent measures put in place by the UK and Scottish Government in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Orkney Islands Council has clarified the categories of ‘key workers’ required to support essential services locally.
Are you out of work, recently retired, or can you spare even a couple of hours a week? Orkney Islands Council is looking at ways to staff vital service areas in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and one of the options will be offering additional short-term employment.
Public toilets and pier waiting rooms across the Mainland and the isles are being closed as part of Orkney Islands Council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses can now apply for grants to help them deal with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council are advising that as of Thursday, 26 March, new revised public bus timetables will come into effect until further notice.
Visiting can no longer take place at care homes operated by Orkney Health and Care in response to the strengthening of nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Orkney Islands Council is now focusing its efforts on the most essential services the local community requires – after the UK and Scottish Governments announced stringent new measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met virtually today in response to the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic - with representatives involved from all key agencies across the county.
Following advice from our Executive Director and Head of Service I have to inform you that the Orkney Islands Council - Building Standards service has been temporarily suspended until the current COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, or alternative measures have been implemented to allow staff to undertake work from home.
Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Service is advising that due to the current COVID-19 situation and recent guidance for contractors, only emergency repairs will be carried out within their houses – for example internal power failure or leak.
Orkney Islands Council continues to take steps to ensure childcare is provided in schools and nurseries for the children of key workers.
The five Recycling Centres in Orkney – at Hatston, Garson, Cursiter, St Margaret’s Hope and Bossack – remain open as normal at present.
Following the announcement earlier this afternoon that the Scottish Government has requested all local authorities to take extra steps to support the most vulnerable in our community, Council officers have swung into action this afternoon to get this up and running.
Over the weekend, Orkney Islands Council’s education staff have responded to 250 applications for childcare for key workers' children and young people under the age of 16.
Visiting restrictions to our Care Homes are now in place following guidance from Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland to help delay the spread of COVID-19.
Orkney Islands Council, Business Gateway Orkney and other partner agencies have established an Economic and Business Response and Recovery Group.
With recent developments in the coronavirus outbreak, we understand that many Council Tax payers may be worried about the bills for the new financial year that we recently issued
Orkney Islands Council has launched a new online platform which will make it easier to get in touch, make online payments and to report and track issues and requests.
The Council has responded to the announcement from the Scottish Government that schools and local authority nurseries will close from Friday afternoon (20 March).
Leisure, cultural and library facilities in Orkney will close to the public later this week as part of efforts to help prevent infection by the coronavirus.
Following yesterday's announcement on school closures by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Council is awaiting clarification from the Scottish Government on the detail behind this.
Detailed planning has taken place over recent weeks to ensure the Council can respond as effectively as possible in the event of Covid-19 cases in Orkney.
