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Archive News

*OIC News - Do not use* archive from March 2021
Candidates announced for the May election

Four candidates have put their names forward to stand for the Orkney constituency in the Scottish Parliament Election in May.

31 March 2021
Replacement bin charges set to be suspended

Orkney Islands Council's Development and Infrastructure committee has recommended suspension of charging households from 1 April for replacement grey refuse bins in order to allow a review of the policy.

30 March 2021
Benchmarking highs and lows for Orkney’s infrastructure

Issues important to the Orkney community such as digital connectivity were highlighted today (Tuesday, 30 March 2021) as members of the Development and Infrastructure committee considered a national ‘benchmarking’ report.

30 March 2021
Hope and Cursiter to remain open for recycling while review takes place

A detailed review of future options for the Council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres at St Margarets Hope and Cursiter will now take place, following a decision by the Development and Infrastructure Committee to defer a decision on recommendations to cease operating the facilities as sites accepting waste as well as recycling.

30 March 2021
Odin of Scapa aids stricken cargo vessel in the North Sea

One of Orkney Islands Council’s new tugs – Odin of Scapa – carried out a successful rescue tow of a stricken general cargo vessel off the north-east coast of Scotland at the weekend.

30 March 2021
£300k boost to COVID-19 Recovery Development Grant Scheme agreed

Orkney Islands Council has agreed to top up its COVID-19 Recovery Development Grant Scheme with a boost to the overall funding pot by another £300k.

29 March 2021
Lockdown Reflections – staff stories – Norman Rendall – taking care of the Council!

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, senior caretaker Norman Rendall tells us how he has been making the most of being able to be out in the garden.

26 March 2021
Lockdown reflections – staff stories – David Bowen – helping keep our children safe

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, school crossing patrol officer David Bowen is looking forward to sharing his love for music again and is pleased that the children are back at school.

26 March 2021
‘My life has just begun’ - TJ pays tribute to Learning Link

An Orkney woman has shared her “life-changing” learning experience at the Learning Link, in a bid to help others living in a world where words and numbers are largely meaningless.

26 March 2021
Lockdown reflections – staff stories – Ryan Jones – keeping the Council fleet going!

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, mechanic Ryan Jones tells us what he is looking forward to after lockdown. 

26 March 2021
Voter deadlines for Scottish Parliament election

Local voters are being reminded that key deadlines are approaching ahead of the Scottish Parliament election.

26 March 2021
New exhibition by artist John Cumming set to open at Orkney Museum

Monday 5 April sees the opening of an exhibition 'The Swan Sketchbooks' by artist John Cumming, at the Orkney Museum, Kirkwall.

26 March 2021
Science kits donated to schools in Orkney

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney has granted funding for science kits for each of the islands’ schools.

25 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Rob MacGregor

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Waste Operative Rob MacGregor reflects on the huge changes at work, and how he and his band have made use of the downtime in the music scene.

25 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Susan Rendall

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, school day cleaner Susan Rendall says she's just gotten on with the job - but thinks children had done very well adapting to the new normal.

25 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Walter Gorman rocking his role at the Hub

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Walter Gorman looks back to his time working at the Coronavirus Support Hub and Holiday Hub for young people - and looks forward to a return of the music scene.

25 March 2021
Three Head Teachers sought for Orkney schools

A number of exciting leadership opportunities have arisen within the teaching profession in Orkney as the Council looks to recruit Head Teachers for three distinct local schools.

24 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Wendy Bowen gives a view from a primary school

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Head Teacher of Papdale Primary, Wendy Bowen tells us how her team worked to keep everyone connected - and the reassurance that provided.

24 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - William Moore

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, William Moore talks about his experience setting up systems to help businesses and customers in financial distress - and his plans for when restrictions ease.

24 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Kira Davidson

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Kira Davidson from the Council's Customer Services team looks back on the challenges for staff and customers, and the Orkney spirit she witnessed while working at 'the Hub'.

24 March 2021
Easing restrictions - call from Council Leader

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council is asking the Scottish Government to ease Covid-19 restrictions by moving Orkney to a lower level – with freedom to travel to and from the Scottish Mainland.

23 March 2021
Lockdown reflections one year on - staff stories - Gavin Leask, Roads team

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Gavin Leask from the Council's Roads team gives a rundown on how restrictions have changed the way his team works, and what he's looking forward to when they ease.

23 March 2021
Lockdown reflections one year on - staff stories - Katell Roche

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Katelle Roche, Senior Duty Officer with the Council's Sports and Leisure team, looks back on how teams adapted to keep the community active and engaged with quality leisure time.

23 March 2021
The Year the World Slowed Doon - poem to mark lockdown anniversary, by OIC Convener

Council Convener Harvey Johnston has eloquently summed up the past year in a reflective piece he has written, marking today's anniversary of the first lockdown, one year on.

23 March 2021
Lockdown reflections one year on – staff stories - Fran Hollinrake, St Magnus Cathedral Custodian

In a series of lockdown reflections by staff, Custodian of St Magnus Cathedral, Fran Hollinrake, looks back on the experience of stepping up to assist at the Coronavirus Support Hub while Cathedral doors were closed.

23 March 2021
Lockdown reflections - a year of challenge and change - OIC interim Chief Executive John Mundell

On the anniversary of the national lockdown, the Council's interim Chief Executive John Mundell reflects on a year of challenge and change for the authority and the community it serves.

23 March 2021
Time to pause and remember - message from Council Leader James Stockan

Orkney Islands Council Leader Councillor James Stockan reflects on the past year and says 'recovery must be our focus' for 2021.

23 March 2021
Onboard catering – update from Orkney Ferries

Orkney Ferries is advising customers that onboard catering will resume on Outer North Isles vessels once an easing of Covid-19 restrictions permits this.

22 March 2021
Marine Planning Milestone

Marine planning for Orkney hit another significant milestone this month with the inaugural meeting of the Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group - the first group of its kind to cover such a wide range of marine interests across Orkney.

22 March 2021
Lockdown anniversary “National Day of Reflection” will be marked in Orkney

Folk in Orkney are being encouraged to take a moment to pause and reflect on 23 March – the 1st anniversary of the first UK lockdown.

19 March 2021
Look up your bin schedule online

Orkney Islands Council is trialling a new search tool which can help people quickly look up their waste and recycling schedule for coming weeks.

19 March 2021
Work starts inside the cathedral entrance

Work has started on the replacement vestibule inside the entrance to St Magnus Cathedral.

19 March 2021
Orkney tourism recovery plan secures £300k

A three-year project to restore confidence and resilience in Orkney’s tourism sector, has secured £300,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

18 March 2021
Grant support for small accommodation providers

Orkney Islands Council is advising small accommodation providers of a new Scottish Government Grant they may be eligible for - and highlighting the closing date of this Monday, 22 March.

18 March 2021
Growth deal signed for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides will release total investment of £335 million

A £100 million investment in the future economic prosperity of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides was agreed today, as representatives of the UK and Scottish governments joined the Leaders of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council, and Shetland Island Council to sign the Heads of Terms for the Islands Growth Deal.

17 March 2021
North Ronaldsay pupils enjoy learning links and virtual contact with Burray Primary School!

Orkney’s smallest school reopened recently – and its pupils are enjoying being linked with a Mainland counterpart.

16 March 2021
New Food Standards will ensure healthier options for school pupils

Letters will be shared with parents and carers in Orkney this week detailing how Orkney Islands Council is working to deliver on the new national Food Standards to ensure all food and drink offered within the school day is as healthy as possible.

16 March 2021
Hit by spring cleaning bug? Here’s some handy reminders.

Orkney Islands Council is issuing some reminders aimed at helping keep Orkney beautiful, and safe, as spring cleaning fever hits many households across the county – inside and out.

16 March 2021
Orkney’s ‘ASPIRE’ vision for economic recovery seeks programme manager

A dedicated post to coordinate the ‘ASPIRE’ vision for Orkney’s economic recovery is being advertised this week.

16 March 2021
OIC take steps to recoup unpaid Council Tax

Orkney Islands Council is appealing for anyone who owes owing Council Tax for the year 2020/2021 to get in touch so affordable payment arrangements can be put in place.

16 March 2021
Orkney Opinions signup reminder

Orkney Islands Council is reminding anyone who’s received an invitation to join its Orkney Opinions group to reply if they would like to be involved.

16 March 2021
Murray puts his best foot forward for the RNLI

Papdale Primary School’s Murray Budge was inspired to follow in the footsteps of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore when he launched his own walking fundraiser.

16 March 2021
Easter cash boost for some of Orkney’s most vulnerable families

Many of Orkney’s most vulnerable families are to receive a £200 direct payment to those children receiving free school meals - £100 from the Scottish Government COVID Spring Hardship Payment and a further top up payment of £100 thanks to an Orkney Islands Council grant agreed by councillors.

16 March 2021
Notice of Election – Scottish Parliamentary election

The Notice of Election for the Scottish Parliamentary election was published today (Monday 15 March).

The election will be held on Thursday 6 May to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament.   

15 March 2021
OIC warns of TV Licensing fake emails

Orkney Islands Council is warning folk to be on their guard in respect of a TV Licensing scam currently on the go.

15 March 2021
Double celebrations at St Andrews as all pupils return and witness turf cutting event

There was a double celebration at St Andrews Primary School on Monday this week (15 March) - with the reopening of the school in full meaning all pupils and staff were able to witness the turf cutting ceremony to mark the start of major extension and refurbishment works.

15 March 2021
Report sets out findings of stone-order review

A report to the Council's Monitoring and Audit Committee has set out the findings of an investigation into the ordering of stone from outwith Orkney for Cursiter Quarry - and made recommendations to prevent failings in the process from occurring again.

12 March 2021
May Election polling cards will start arriving through Orkney letterboxes next week

Polling cards will be arriving through Orkney letterboxes next week from around Thursday 18 March for all those eligible to vote at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election on 6 May – and you will see that two of our regular Polling Stations have moved.

12 March 2021
A feast for St Patrick’s Day on the menu in Orkney’s schools!

There will be a feast fit for Saint Patrick himself on the menu throughout schools in Orkney on Wednesday 17 March – St Patrick’s Day.

12 March 2021
Opening with care – supporting meaningful contact in care homes

The Scottish Government has published new guidance which supports “meaningful contact” to resume between care home residents and their loved ones from this month, March 2021.

11 March 2021
Loved ones will hug once again thanks to latest guidance in care homes

The Council’s care home staff have been working hard to ensure the latest guidance is met to allow loved ones to have an enhanced level of contact from this month.

11 March 2021
Further extension to deadline for comments on ‘Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project - Hoy’

The deadline date for submission of comments to the Scottish Government on proposed plans for a six turbine, council-owned wind farm at Wee Fea in Lyness, has been further extended until May 31.

11 March 2021
Orkney seeks Digital Deputy Head Teacher

Orkney Islands Council is advertising for a ‘Digital Depute Head Teacher’ to help strengthen and develop a rich digital learning landscape for pupils across the north of Scotland.

11 March 2021
IJB appoints Chief Internal Auditor

The Integration Joint Board (IJB) – the body responsible for commissioning health and social care services for Orkney - has appointed its Chief Internal Auditor for the next five years.

10 March 2021
Council Tax scam warning

Orkney Islands Council is warning people of the potential for scams linked to Council Tax payment, reduction and refunds.

10 March 2021
***Staycation special offer***

ActiveLife and ActiveIslands members are encouraged to ‘Staycation’ in Orkney next month with a special offer for local campsites and hostels.

10 March 2021
Continuation of COVID-19 restrictions Sport and Leisure facilities update 9 March 2021

As Orkney continues to be in Level Three COVID-19 restrictions until week commencing 26 April, we want to update our customers and staff on what impacts this will now have on Sport and Leisure activities and facilities up to the 30 April 2021. 

09 March 2021
Recycling disruption 9 March - and Saturday catch-up collection

Orkney Islands Council is advising crews were unable to complete recycling collections today (Tuesday 9 March) in Areas 2 and 7, due to vehicle issues.

09 March 2021
Team Orkney working together to deliver the mass vaccination programme

Orkney Islands Council and partner agencies are delighted to assist and support NHS Orkney in the mass delivery of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programme in the county.

09 March 2021
World Book Day celebrations at Papdale

World Book Day at Papdale Primary School was made all the more special for Head Teacher Wendy Bowen who was able to share a story with pupils from a book written by her mother.

09 March 2021
All primary schools in Orkney to open fully from 15 March

All primary schools in Orkney will be fully open to nursery and primary pupils from 15 March in line with the Scottish Government phase two of the return to education.

09 March 2021
Orkney’s vision for children and young people - March 2021

Colleagues from health, social care, education services, the police, the third sector and others from the Community Planning Partnership have been working together with children and young people to help us plan our vision and our services to support all children and young people.

05 March 2021
Contract to extend St Andrews Primary School awarded

Orkney Islands Council has awarded Casey Construction the £3.6 million contract to extend and refurbish St Andrews Primary School.

05 March 2021
First Minister's announcement on Phase 2 of return to school welcomed

Orkney Islands Council has welcomed news from the Scottish Government today, 2 March, that more pupils will be heading back to school from 15 March.

02 March 2021
Budget for year ahead agreed

Elected Members have agreed Orkney Islands Council’s budget for the 2021-2022 financial year.

02 March 2021
Nursery registration moves online

This year’s Orkney nursery registration process has moved online for the first time due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.

01 March 2021

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