From archery to raft building, climbing to bushcraft, orienteering to crabbing – more than 860 children and young people in Orkney have been participating in the Orkney Outdoor Education’s new and exciting outdoor learning and activity programme over the past few months.
Surface dressing is planned for Monday 2 August on the road that runs through Herston in South Ronaldsay.
The community resilience pandemic response work by a small team at Orkney Islands Council has been recognised at a national level.
The LGC Awards judging panel have shortlisted the Council’s entry “Orkney at its best – creating COVID solution through community” within the Community Involvement category.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking the public and businesses to share their views on shaping flood risk actions and objectives for Orkney and other high-risk areas of Scotland.
SEPA has launched a joint consultation with Orkney Islands Council and other local authorities, to help shape the direction and delivery of flood risk management across the country.
Did you know you can take a virtual tour of St Magnus Cathedral?
...just follow this link www.orkney.gov.uk/StMagnus for a video tour that will take you to all parts of the building, including the upper levels where the bells and intriguing artifacts like a hangman’s ladder can be found.
Our roads crews are planning to carry out surface dressing in South Ronaldsay on Friday 30 July.
A consultation begins today on the latest version of the Council’s Sustainable Procurement Policy.
You can find out more about the draft policy and take part in the consultation online.
Our roads crews are hoping to complete surface dressing in St Margaret’s Hope on Thursday 29 July – weather permitting.
The Council is seeking to recruit additional mobile toilet attendants to assist with the ongoing cleaning programme at the public toilet facilities across the county.
Tiny Malcolm Clark had a mountain to climb when he was born three months prematurely weighing less than a 2lb bag of sugar on 2 September 2015.
Now a strapping five-year-old – Malcolm, from Hoy, is still climbing – this time Orkney’s highest hill – Ward Hill on Hoy – raising money for the hospital that cared for him when he was born.
A 10-year-old Glaitness School pupil says “dreams do come true when you work hard” – after making a name for herself in the competitive world of equestrianism.
Jorgi Craigie and her mum Caroline made a 1,500-mile round trip to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events – the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in England.
Due to a vacant post, the Council and partner organisations involved in natural heritage management and protection are looking at how the Centre can be taken forward in conjunction with changes to national biodiversity recording.
The Council’s roads crews are planning to carry out surface dressing in St Margaret’s Hope on Wednesday 28 July – weather permitting.
The Westray community are being invited along to the island school on Wednesday 28 July to meet Orkney’s new Area Commander Chief Inspector Ali Garrow.
Orkney Islands Council’s School Meals’ Service has been given a resounding endorsement by the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) inspectors.
Our roads crews are hoping to carry out surface dressing at Ness Road in Burray on Tuesday 27 July – weather permitting.
The Westray community – including a number of our school pupils – have rallied to support the RNLI – taking up the “scary” challenge of designing and making their own scarecrows.
Surface dressing work planned for Ness Road in Burray today (Monday 26 July) has been postponed because of the weather conditions.
The Council’s road crews are heading to Ness Road in Burray (from the A961 Junction to Pole Farm) to carry out surface dressing works on Monday 26 July.
The Orkney flag is flying high in the heart of London’s Parliament Square this week.
The flags of 52 historic counties have been raised in a resplendent celebration of the nation’s heritage to mark the Historic County Flags Day today, Friday 23 July – and they will remain aloft until 27 July.
Surface dressing road works will take place on Kirbuster Road, Stronsay tomorrow, Friday 23 July. Full road closures will be in place from 9am.
As we pass the half-way mark of the school summer holidays, we want to remind families to check whether or not they may be entitled to free school meals and the associated benefits this could bring.
Papdale Primary School’s Sarah Seatter has challenged herself to walk 100 miles this summer to raise money for a children’s cancer charity.
Ten-year-old Sarah has also been growing her hair which she plans to have chopped next month and donate to the Little Princess Trust for a wig to be made for a child affected by cancer.
Electric vehicle (EV) owners are reminded that charge points across Scotland will be unavailable overnight between 10pm on Monday 26 July and 5am on Tuesday 27 July while the ChargePlace Scotland system migrates to a new network operator.
Surface dressing road works crews will be heading to Holland Road in Stronsay tomorrow, Thursday 22 July - full road closures will be in place from 09:00.
Papdale Primary School’s Megan Flynn is a young female motocross rider in what is historically a male dominated sport and scrambling her way to success!
The eight-year-old from Kirkwall is the only junior female rider at the Orkney Motocross Club but she hasn’t let this put her off and was recently was awarded the Robertson’s Shield and Arkh Angell Cup 2021 for her dirt bike efforts.
With the current dry weather and advice from Scottish Water encouraging wise water use by the public, Orkney Islands Council is reminding owners of private Water Supplies (PWS) to take similar steps and report any concerns they have about water levels or quality to OIC’s Environmental Health team.
The Scottish Government has moved all of Scotland into level zero – meaning domestic cruise at Scottish ports and harbours, including Orkney, can resume.
Around 1400 low income families in Orkney will receive a £130 cash boost in August, as Orkney Islands Council delivers the Scottish Government’s Low Income Pandemic Payment.
Surface dressing road works crews will move to Everbay and Hescombe Roads in Stronsay tomorrow, 20 July. Full road closures will be in place from 09:00.
Orkney Islands Council’s Sport and Leisure team working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport are running a Disability Sport Week from 31 July - 6 August, jam packed with games and activities for children with physical, sensory and learning disabilities.
Birsay Community Council is very much looking to the long term when it comes to the benefits it receives from local renewable energy projects - both in terms of the projects they use the fund for and the potential benefits that could come from new wind energy developments in the Birsay area.
Surface dressing work is due to take place in Stronsay next week.
Orkney Islands Council has appointed consultants Robert Potter Partners LLP to work up initial designs for the proposed new nursery on the grounds at Orkney College.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding users of the Cursiter Household Recycling Centre that the facility is only accepting domestic recyclable material.
Planning application documents have been submitted by Orkney Islands Council for a six-turbine wind farm development and associated marine infrastructure on Faray in Orkney’s North Isles.
Following completion of surface dressing road works at Stove Road in Deerness today crews will move to Northfield and Southbreck Roads in Burray tomorrow, Thursday 15 July.
If you’ve driven past the primary school in Evie recently, you might have spied work going on to install a new community playpark. Designed by landscape architect Sam Green, the park incorporates modern natural play features, alongside playpark staples like chutes and swings.
For nearly twenty years, the Spurness wind turbines have been a fixture of the Sanday skyline and in that time have - through a location specific community benefit fund – supported multiple local clubs and organisations, paid for numerous trips to the mainland for sports and training – and even helped to ensure that school bairns in Sanday get their five a day!
Following completion of surface dressing road works at Manse and Aikerskaill Roads in Deerness today, crews will move to Stove Road, Deerness tomorrow, 14 July. This is a dead end minor road. Works will be carried out on the full length of the road and full road closures will be in place.
Following completion of surface dressing road works at Halley Road in Deerness today, crews will move to Aikerskaill and Manse Road in the parish tomorrow, Tuesday 13 July.
Carness Road in Kirkwall will be closed between its junctions with Weyland Bay and Craigiefield roads, from Monday 19 July 2021 to late August, to enable road works required by Phase 1 of the new Council housing development at Carness.
Orkney Islands Council is calling for submissions from artists and writers with proposals for a public art installation to mark the centenary this year of the birth of one of Orkney’s most prominent cultural icons - George Mackay Brown.
Electric vehicle (EV) owners are reminded that charge points across Scotland will be unavailable overnight between 10pm on Monday 26 July and 5am on Tuesday 27 July while the ChargePlace Scotland system migrates to a new network operator.
The Royal Navy’s bomb disposal experts in Scotland have exercised their Freedom of Orkney by marching through the streets of Kirkwall.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding householders of the simple things they can do to help bin collections run smoothly and prolong the life of their bin.
Orkney Islands Council is advising surface dressing road works will be taking place on Monday 12 July at Halley Road in Deerness – between its junctions with Link Road and Braebuster Road. A short detour will be in place via Denwick and Link Road.
Long-serving Council employee – Gillian Morrison - has paid tribute to her colleagues and Elected Members whilst also stating that “the 20 years working for OIC have undoubtedly been the best” in her 37-year career in public service.
Orkney Islands Council's Road Operations team will be working on Junction Road in Kirkwall early next week, between the roundabout and Gunn’s Close Car Park, to replace a manhole cover.
A planning application for works to transform an area of green space at Papdale into a community park for all ages and abilities has been approved by Orkney Islands Council's Planning committee.
Orkney Islands Council is advising people to be on the lookout for blooms of blue-green algae in lochs, burns and other watercourses.
The Royal Navy Northern Diving Group will be holding two displays about their Explosive Ordnance Disposal work during their visit to Orkney this week.
The team will be at the Broad Street carpark in Kirkwall from 13:00 on Thursday July 8
Later the same day, they will be at the Stromness Academy carpark from 18:30 to 20:00.
Councillors paid tribute to two outgoing Executive Directors at this week’s Full Council meeting.
Orkney Islands Council has today agreed to establish a £300k fund to provide emergency support to Orkney’s Third Sector as they face considerable financial pressures and surges in demand for their services as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council and Crown Estate Scotland have signed an agreement to work together in developing a deep-water quay in Scapa Flow.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that while recent mechanical issues have been resolved, surface dressing is likely to be on hold until Thursday (8 July) due to current weather forecasts.
A special online portal has been launched to ensure eligible social care Personal Assistants receive a £500 “thank you” payment in recognition of their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
More families than ever before in Orkney are benefiting from free school meals and the school clothing allowance – however, OIC is urging anyone who may still be missing out to check to see whether or not they are entitled.
The Council's Household Waste Recycling Centre at St. Margaret’s Hope temporarily closed today, 5 July, due to damage to a lighting pole on the site.
The Orkney community is being asked for their thoughts on how services supporting young people’s mental health can be refined to best meet local needs, following the allocation of close to £800k by the Scottish Government for Orkney Health and Care to redesign and develop the county’s Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme for elite pathway athletes is open again for applications - and this time features a bespoke, more flexible application process to address ongoing uncertainty over the sporting calendar due to the pandemic.
Surface dressing work remains temporarily suspended - initially as a result of a mechanical problem and subsequently due to a supplier issue.
Seven new electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been brought into action in Orkney in recent weeks.
The University of the Highlands and Islands centre for island creativity wants to hear from creative businesses, practitioners and professionals in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides as part of research into the economic and social impact of the islands’ creative sector.
Orkney Islands Council is proud of its workforce – many of whom will be your friends, neighbours or relatives - with over a quarter of Orkney’s working population employed with the local authority.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding drivers that a ‘first hour free’ approach at car parks across Kirkwall and Stromness for the 2021 summer period starts tomorrow, 1 July.
A popular teacher heard the school bell ring for the last time at the end of term after an amazing 37 years at Westray Junior High School.
The Scottish Government has notified Orkney Islands Council today, Wednesday 30 June, of its decision to grant the Council’s appeal in respect of a planning application to extend Cursiter Quarry in Firth.
The Royal Navy Northern Diving Group will march through Kirkwall on July 9 as part of formalities conferring the Freedom of Orkney on the organisation.
Roads around central Kirkwall will be closed between midday and 2pm on Friday 9 July to enable a Freedom of Orkney ceremony and public procession to take place, with some bus services affected too.
The diversity and beauty of Orkney’s underwater wildlife is revealed in eight new short films released this week by the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Orkney Islands Council is proud of its workforce – many of whom will be your friends, neighbours or relatives - with over a quarter of Orkney’s working population employed with the local authority.
Work of the Lifeboat crew remains at the heart of the community.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have advised that refurbishment work at the Sunnybank Substation in Stromness will mean restrictions to traffic and pedestrian access at times over the days ahead.
Donation will go towards second detection dog.
Surface dressing work has been temporarily suspended because of a mechanical problem.
Councillors have praised the ‘magnificent efforts’ of OIC staff for their role in the delivery of many millions of pounds in Covid-19 support to businesses in Orkney.
Options for the future of inter-island transport in Orkney are being presented to the county’s isles communities for their feedback over coming weeks.
Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the award of £260,000 in support from the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) for a major upgrade of the Point of Ness campsite in Stromness.
For operational reasons the Bossack Household Waste and Recycling Centre will be closed to the general public today, Thursday 24 June and tomorrow, Friday 25 June 2021.
The county’s health and social care teams have been praised for their work over the course of the pandemic in what has been described as “the most challenging and complex financial year in the history of the public sector”.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts by NHS Orkney Public Health to contain the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
After a challenging year for many children and young people and with the school holidays fast approaching, the Council’s Sport and Leisure Team are delighted to announce Orkney’s participation in a national campaign to further develop and enhance the range of activities on offer locally this summer.
European Union citizens resident in Orkney are being reminded of the 30 June deadline to apply for “settled or pre-settled” status to enable onward living in the UK and the protection of their rights.
Almost 150 families in Orkney are to benefit from free school meal financial support over the summer holidays.
A new school holiday campaign being launched this week urges everyone in Orkney to enjoy plenty of summer fun time with extended family and friends after months of pandemic restrictions, but to be alert for signs that the lockdown experience was anything but fun for some children.
Stromness Primary’s Karen Bevan is due to make a TV appearance this evening (Tuesday 22 June).
Councillors have recommended up to £106k be drawn from its own Coronavirus Response Fund to support the implementation of up to twenty Council-based ‘Kickstart’ posts for young people as part of efforts to ensure they are not left behind as a result of the pandemic.
This afternoon and tomorrow, Wednesday 23 June, crews will be carrying out surface dressing works on Tankerness Hall Road in Tankerness.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that applications are now open for assistance towards the cost of supporting young people to continue their studies.
An exciting new development to extend and alter Glaitness Primary School and Nursery is due to get underway soon.
Two youths have been charged in relation to the damage caused to seating within the Kirkwall Travel Centre.
A digital guide is now available for one of Orkney’s most popular coastal walks.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding pupils and families of the support and advice available as they await provisional results, due to be sent to pupil's homes on 22 and 23 June by post.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 22 June, crews will return to Yinstay Road in the morning to complete work there, before moving onto Tankerness Hall Road in Tankerness in the afternoon.
Orkney Islands Council is in the process of identifying all residents in the county who are eligible for a one-off Low Income Pandemic payment of £130 to help with increased costs and lost income due to coronavirus.
Children’s Hearings Scotland in Orkney is looking for people who have good assessment, observation, and communication skills to join our team as a volunteer Panel Practice Advisor.
Friends launch crowd fundraiser for family facing uncertain future
“Cancer can take away many things, but not our precious memories” – Georgia Bendall
Orkney Islands Council has launched a public consultation into the location-specific community benefit scheme which could arise from Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project if the project is built.
Surface dressing work is planned for Tankerness on Monday 21 June and Tuesday 22 June.
Wreaths were laid today at the war memorials in Kirkwall and Stromness to mark the founding a century ago of the Royal British Legion (Scotland).
Folk in Orkney are being reminded to have a look at the exhibition boards detailing the preferred concept for a new community park at Papdale in Kirkwall, which are in place close to the path at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Social care worker Rachel Thomson not only changes some of Orkney’s most vulnerable people’s lives for the better, but she is also using her talent for painting to raise thousands of pounds to help dogs in desperate need.
A “fantastic” community scheme - which ensures a clean and safe private water supply to residents and facilities on Papa Westray – will receive grant funding of just under £10,000 from the Council’s Community Development Fund (CDF) to enable enhancements to be carried out.
Tomorrow, Friday 18 June, will see crews finishing off surface dressing on the B9069 in Sanday, between West Langamay and Russness Cottage if required - which will complete their surface dressing work in Sanday.
I, John Weir Mundell OBE, Constituency Returning Officer for the above Election, in accordance with the Scottish Parliamentary Elections Order 2015 Articles 50 and 55, do hereby give notice, that the election expenses returns, declarations and all accompanying documents of candidates at the above election may be inspected between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays, at Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney (Tel: 01856 873535) for a period of one year after receipt by me.
Stromness Primary’s Karen Bevan has cooked her way through to the national final of the School Chef of the Year competition.
Karen, the chosen North East and Scotland contestant, joined the morning regional heat in a virtual cook-along on 10 June winning her way to the final, which will be held over 12-13 October in Birmingham.
One of the Council’s Building Inspectors - Leslie Miller - has played a significant role in ensuring Orkney retains its rightful place as one of the premier destinations in the UK for fly fishers.
The Council's selfless staff - who do a power of good work within their communities in addition to their day jobs - are being recognised nationally.
Help for parents to increase their confidence and earning power is now available through Orkney Island Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team.
Following completion of Ortie Road in Sanday yesterday, surface dressing road works will take place today, Thursday, on a section of North Loch Road, Sanday, between the junction with the main B9069 through to Sandquoy.
The Council is aware of a public petition on social media in reference to the withdrawal of funding from Advocacy Orkney and allegations of a shortfall of care provision in the county in relation to an individual.
We acknowledge the level of well-intentioned public interest, however, as it is not possible for a local authority to divulge details in relation to a vulnerable person – it is a version which is lacking in key information that is being circulated. This is causing great distress to the individual concerned and family members.
Organisations in Orkney who assist unemployed young people and adults are being encouraged to apply for digital devices for those they represent through the Scottish Government’s phase three Connecting Scotland programme.
Families in Orkney are being encouraged to apply for free school meals and clothing allowances before the end of term – which may open up other pandemic support grants available to them.
Orkney Islands Council's Roads team will be continuing surface dressing road work on Ortie Road in Sanday tomorrow, Wednesday 16 June.
Stromness Primary school cook Karen Bevan is already a winner in the eyes and bellies of some the bairns she feeds on a daily basis – and they are backing her to win a national competition!
Families with young children in Orkney are being invited to register for places at the Willow Tree Nursery in Kirkwall – signalling a major step forward in addressing some of the county’s childcare needs.
Orkney Islands Council is advising surface dressing road works will continue in Sanday tomorrow, Tuesday 15 June, on Airon, Rue and Ortie Roads.
Members of the travelling public in Orkney are being reminded to make sure they are taking advantage of travel concessions available to them.
Public bus timetables are being made available this summer individually rather than as part of a combined ‘transport guide’.
In her day job, Pat Robinson can be found number crunching as Chief Finance Officer with Orkney Health and Care – a formal partnership arrangement between OIC and NHS Orkney.
Orkney Islands Council’s roads team will be carrying out surface dressing work in Sanday on Monday 14 June.
Milestone memories of a bygone era
Four generations of one family were able to reunite to celebrate St Rognvald House resident Barbara Jolly’s 100th birthday today, Wednesday 9 June.
Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing committee has recommended Flotta Primary School be partially reopened to school pupils on the island.
Tomorrow, 10 June, crews will be completing surface dressing road works on Stratheast Road in Holm before moving to Ferryhouse Road, Holm later in the day.
Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the news that a contract has been awarded for the concept design of a hydrogen fuelled ferry, which could eventually operate on the Kirkwall to Shapinsay ferry route.
Kirkwall Police are using CCTV installed at the Kirkwall Travel Centre to assist in catching the culprits responsible for damaging seating within the centre recently.
Tribute has been paid to OIC’s Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Gavin Barr, who will be leaving the Council during the summer to take on a new roll.
Following completion of surface dressing today at Heath House Road in Stenness, crews will be moving to Graemeshall and Stratheast Roads in Holm tomorrow, 9 June.
A new exhibition at The Orkney Museum marks 100 years since the birth of one of Orkney's most prominent writers, George Mackay Brown.
Orkney Islands Council is proud of its workforce – many of whom will be your friends, neighbours or relatives - with over a quarter of Orkney’s working population employed with the local authority.
Exhibition boards detailing the preferred concept for a new community park at Papdale in Kirkwall are now in place close to the path at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Surface dressing road works are continuing with work at Heath House Road in Stenness today, 8 June.
This Carers Week we're asking could you - or someone you know - be an unpaid carer?
We have completed surface dressing works on Upper Twatt Road now and crews will be moving to Heath House Road, Stenness, on Monday 7 June.
Boundaries Scotland, present our proposals for Orkney Islands Council area resulting from our Review of Electoral Arrangements under, and in accordance with, section 20 of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.
Tribute has been paid to the crew of the Orkney Ferries’ vessel, Hoy Head, after their quick-thinking led to the rescue of two people in distress from the sea.
Residents of Orkney can now place online orders for free period products funded by the Scottish Government and have them delivered direct to their door, through the Orkney Islands Council MyOrkney website.
Public Bus routes 4 (the Kirkwall Airport bus) and 9 (Kirkwall Town Service) are affected by road closures in central Kirkwall between 7 and 13 June - passengers should catch these services from Kirkwall Travel Centre rather than from Broad Street.
Following completion of surface dressing road work on Ness Battery Road, Stromness, today, crews will be moving to Upper Twatt Road, Stenness tomorrow, Friday 4 June.
Devoted husband cares for wife at home thanks to family and community support
From this day forward, for better for worse…. in sickness and in health….Colin and Liz Kennedy made this pledge to each other when they married in 1964 – nearly 57 years ago.
The devastating impact of Covid-19 on the dementia community in Orkney has been deeply felt these past 15 months – exacerbating what can be a challenging condition for families.
A multi-agency approach is being taken locally in a bid to ensure the dementia community are “never forgotten” while raising awareness of a number of initiatives kickstarted during Dementia Awareness Week, which runs until 6 June.
Orkney Islands Council is proud of its workforce – many of whom will be your friends, neighbours or relatives - with over a quarter of Orkney’s working population employed with the local authority.
A closer look at some of our 2,700 staff has revealed a treasure trove of community-spirited and selfless individuals.
Orkney is renowned for its world-class fresh produce, some of which ends up on the school menu for bairns and staff to enjoy.
Following completion of road work on The Waterworks Rd in Stromness today, crews will be moving to Ness Battery Road, Stromness, tomorrow, Thursday 3 June.
The Orkney public are being urged to continue to focus on the FACTS as the county moves into Level 0 Covid-19 restrictions from 5 June.
The Glaitness Nursery children, who were lucky enough to meet the Royal visitors recently, have been reflecting on the special occasion – although not all of them were entirely star struck!
With the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions Orkney’s 2021 football season has been able to kick off, however, there is still specific guidance relating to sport, sporting events and physical activity that must be adhered to.
As the nation looks recover from the worldwide pandemic, never has it been more important for our young people to take a stand and ensure their voices are heard on the political stage.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has welcomed news of a move to Level 0 of Scottish Government Coronavirus restrictions from 5 June - but reminds people a range of restrictions remains in place.
Following completion of surface dressing road works on Nistaben Road in Harray today, crews will be moving to The Waterworks Rd, Stromness tomorrow (2 June). This is a minor, dead end road and crews will be dressing the entire length of the road.
A number of Orkney Sea Cadets were able to get a taste of life on board a tall ship when the sail training brig, Royalist, called into Scapa on Thursday (May 27).
Orkney Islands Council is inviting suitably qualified contractors to register an expression of interest in the contract to build a new 40-bed care facility in Kirkwall to replace St Rognvald House.
Passengers on Orkney Ferries will see standard fares reduced by 38% from 14 June and the 50% discount on pre-paid books of 50 tickets retained, following debate and agreement of a new fares structure at a Special Full Council meeting of Orkney Islands Council on Monday (31 May).
Orkney’s Road Safety Forum is urging anyone who drives with children to take advantage of free online car seat checks with a ‘Good Egg’ expert this Child Safety Week (7-13 June).
Orkney businesses are being invited to take part in a mini survey aimed at exploring how the local business community is feeling about the future following an incredibly challenging last several months.
Following completion of work on Tenston road in Sandwick today, crews will be moving to Nistaben Road in Harray tomorrow (Tuesday 1 June). This is a minor, dead end road and crews will be dressing the entire length of the road.
Following completion of work on the Georth Road in Evie today (Friday 28 May), surface dressing will take place on Monday 31 May on the Tenston road in Sandwick.
Council Leader James Stockan is encouraging people in Orkney to respond to an Island Impact Assessment on the importance of young folk receiving free ferry travel in line with a new Scottish Government concessionary bus scheme.
St Margaret’s Hope Recycling Centre returns to summer opening hours on Monday (May 31).
Following completion of the surface dressing road works at Arwick Road in Evie (27 May), the Council is advising crews will move onto Georth Road in Evie tomorrow (28 May). This is a dead end minor road.
Bairns from the Glaitness Nursery in Kirkwall enchanted Orkney’s Royal visitors - the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - during a chance encounter on Tuesday.
Orkney Islands Council is advising St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall will be closed to the public from 7 – 10 June (inclusive) to allow filming and recording for this year’s St Magnus International Festival.
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 is fast approaching.
Following completion of the surface dressing road works at Puldrite Road in Rendall today (26 May), the Council is advising crews will move onto Arwick Road in Evie tomorrow (27 May). This is a dead end minor road.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are not the only Royalty expected to visit Orkney this week.
The visit to Orkney by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has been warmly welcomed by the county’s Lord Lieutenant and the Leader of Orkney Islands Council.
Orkney fares better than 22 of the 32 local authority areas across Scotland – when it comes to rising levels of child poverty – but there is no room for complacency.
A new electricity transmission link between Orkney and the Scottish Mainland could be worth at least £371 million to the Orkney economy, according to a recently commissioned study into the potential value of the cable.
Following completion of the surface dressing road works at Holland Road in Firth today (25 May), the Council is advising crews will move onto Puldrite Road in Rendall and Arwick Road in Evie.
Orkney Islands Council is proud of its workforce – many of whom will be your friends, neighbours or relatives - with over a quarter of Orkney’s working population employed with the local authority.
A planning application has been submitted to the Council for a development to transform an area of green space at Papdale into a community park for all ages and abilities.
Orkney Islands Council is advising of revised plans for surface dressing road works for the coming days, after recent delays to previously publicised schedules due to weather.
Want to help Kirkwall Grammar School S2 pupils change the world and make it a better place? They're appealing for donations of educational materials and tech and money to help reduce poverty and inequality for counterparts in schools in Pakistan and Nepal, as part of the global Connecting Classrooms project.
Orkney Islands Council, in partnership with Greener Orkney, is supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Summer Clean for 2021.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that, due to weather forecasts, surface dressing road works planned for today (21 May) at Holland Road in Firth have been postponed until warmer, drier weather returns to the county.
Plans for the Council’s Roads team to carry out surface dressing tomorrow (Friday 21 May) on Holland Road in Firth are postponed due to weather conditions.
While not wishing to focus on himself, Edmund Holt was instrumental in laying the foundations – alongside Alistair Bain – for what is now widely recognised as one of Orkney’s Education Service success stories – and now almost 50 years later the Orkney Instrumental Music Service is still going strong.
Chris Giles – Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts from 2008- 2013.
Penny Aberdein shares some thoughts and memories from her time with the Orkney Instrumental Music Service from 1998-2008.
In May the Pickaquoy Centre is normally alive with the sound of music, when over 200 young musicians from across Orkney’s schools come together for the Instrumental Music Service’s annual music course. Due to Covid-19, the course has been cancelled for a second year running.
Councillors at today’s Policy and Resources committee backed recommendations for a ‘first hour free’ approach at Council car parks across Kirkwall and Stromness for the summer period, starting from July 1.
