OIC News

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.

Orkney SWI knit hundreds of teddies for nursery 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 100^th 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.

Issued on behalf of the Northern Alliance.

The pandemic has required every aspect of our working lives to adapt to more challenging circumstances and regional improvement collaboratives set up to support education and children’s services teams across Scotland are no exception.

Passengers on Orkney Ferries could see fares reduced by 38% in June, if proposals for a new fares structure are approved by Orkney Islands Council.

Orkney’s special friendship with Norway was celebrated on Monday 17 May – Norwegian Constitution Day.

We are delighted to be able to celebrate the success of some of our exceptional young Scientists here at KGS.

Projects to encourage walking, cycling and wheeling as an attractive first choice for travel in Orkney are set for a boost with the help of a new Sustrans Officer who will be based locally, working with Orkney Islands Council.

Convener Harvey Johnston has penned these words in celebration of our continued friendship and links with our Norwegian neighbours on this, Norway’s Constitution Day.

S2 pupils from Kirkwall Grammar School are reaching out to the wider community in Orkney to help reduce poverty and inequality for counterparts in schools in Pakistan and Nepal - as part of a unique global education programme, Connecting Classrooms.

The Council’s Bossack Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) will be accepting electrical waste and wrapped asbestos in addition to garden waste from next Tuesday (18 May).

Accommodation is needed for key workers providing vital support for services dealing with the impact on Orkney of Covid-19.

The Council is asking folk to be extra vigilant when out and about following the discovery that numerous roads signs have been meddled with in the West Mainland.

Council launches campaign to put foot down on dangerous driver behaviour and abuse.

Drivers are being urged to allow extra time for journeys and drive courteously as Orkney Islands Council’s Roads team starts vital surface dressing works.

Orkney Islands Council’s Waste Team is encouraging Orkney residents to continue to “Make Your Metals Matter” in May.

Work to expand and refresh Orkney’s flagship Scapa Flow Museum with a bespoke series of new galleries and café is well underway, with the full form and extent of the new extension now visible. 

Orkney Street Pastors are hoping to restart their Saturday night patrols around Kirkwall town centre on Saturday 22 May which includes regular checks on anti-social behaviour hot spots.

Families Outside is running an online “Our Voice” peer support group event later this month for children and young people who have a parent/s in prison.

Orkney Islands Council has commissioned a report seeking to establish what a new electricity transmission link to the mainland could mean to the local economy, as the islands seek to recover from the effects of the Covid19 pandemic.

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has welcomed news of a move to level one restrictions from 17 May – meaning folk will, once again, be able to socialise indoors.

Orkney Islands Council is running a public consultation on its revised Scheme for Community Councils.

The number of votes cast in Orkney for parties and candidates on the Highlands and Islands Regional List has been announced.

Voters have elected Liam McArthur to represent Orkney at the Scottish Parliament.

John W Mundell, Constituency Returning Officer for the Orkney Islands constituency, said: “Voters in Orkney have had the opportunity to vote to elect a Member of the Scottish Parliament and for Members of the Highlands and Islands region.

The ballot boxes are pictured arriving at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall this morning, Friday, ahead of the count for the Scottish Parliament Election.

The Freedom of Orkney has today been bestowed on the Royal Navy Northern Diving Group, in recognition of their long association with commemorating those lost in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak and in keeping the Orkney community safe through the safe disposal of modern and historic ordnance, including torpedoes and mines.

Public toilet facilities in Orkney continue to be targeted by vandals – leading to a warning that further restrictions may be necessary.

Orkney Islands Council and Kirkwall Police are warning of the potential dangers of the “irresponsible” behaviour which saw around 50 road signs in Kirkwall and the East Mainland being turned and obscured from the view of motorists this week.

Every effort is made by Council staff to ensure that everyone who wants to vote can – even if that means hand delivering a replacement postal vote for someone in hospital!

With the grass-cutting season upon us, the Council is pleased to announce the phased re-opening of the Bossack Household Waste Recycling Centre on Tuesday 11 May.

A virtual awards ceremony was held this week to celebrate the efforts of S2 pupils from Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School who took part in the Fereday Prize for a Local History Investigation.

Primary 1 children from St Andrews Primary School were delighted to see their lifeboat artwork framed and displayed on the Kirkwall Lifeboat Station wall.

The Council’s Planning Service has launched a customer satisfaction survey to allow users of the service to share their experiences.

Orkney Islands Council has issued a reminder that Cursiter Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) will be closed this coming Monday (3 May), for the May Day public holiday.

Almost all public toilet facilities throughout Orkney are open and we have a dedicated web page for you to access further information – Council's web page on public toilet facilities

Orkney Islands Council has awarded contracts for public bus and school transport services in the county for the next several years.

The multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met this evening in response to the discovery of a grenade near the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) in Stromness.

The council is reminding drivers that the ‘first-hour free’ parking run by the Council over the winter ends on 30 April, when OIC carparks in central Kirkwall and Stromness revert to summer tariffs (from and including 1 May).

The Council is carrying out urgent repair works at Dingieshowe public toilets in Deerness after part of the facility was vandalised at the weekend.

Everyone is encouraged to vote in the Scottish Parliament election on 6 May – and this year folk are reminded that there will be some additional safety measures in place due to COVID-19 for those choosing to cast their vote in person.

Plans are progressing for an exciting development within the Papdale area of Kirkwall which could see an area of green space transformed into a community park for all ages and abilities.

One of the Council’s new tugs – Thor of Scapa – assisted in the smooth reinstallation of a tidal turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre Fall of Warness test site this week.

Local electors are encouraged to return postal votes in plenty time for the Scottish Parliament election in May.

More than a third of the 17,668 people on the Electoral Register in Orkney have registered to vote by post – 6,098 in total (34.5%). The number of electors who’ve applied for a postal vote has gone up by 1,793 since December 2020.

With restrictions due to ease during May, Orkney’s Sport and Leisure Team have updated how this will impact on their activities and facilities in the county.

Orkney will continue to be in Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions until 16 May, and from the week commencing 17 May Orkney will enter Level 2.

After a careful review of Scottish Government, sportscotland and Governing Bodies of Sport guidance, as well as current facility usage figures, the following facilities and activities will continue to be affected:

The Council’s Environmental Health team have been dealing with a boom in food business – with the number of new catering start-ups almost trebling during the COVID-19 lockdown year.

Orkney's iconic St Magnus Cathedral will shine in gold, pink and blue on Friday (30 April) as part of the first International Care Experienced Day of Remembrance, a day aimed at marking the contribution and experience of looked after people in communities around the world.

Local businesses who have been impacted by coronavirus may still have options open to them for financial support, despite some national schemes coming to an end as restrictions ease.

The ReFLEX Orkney project has launched a new carbon calculator to help the Orkney community estimate its carbon footprint and monitor it over time.

Electors are reminded that the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is less than a week away.

Some Westray residents are being asked to re-present bins again tomorrow, Wednesday, today's refuse truck had to return to mainland Orkney as it was full, leaving 70 properties uncollected.

Organisations involved in visitor management in Orkney have met in preparation for the easing of travel restrictions later this month.

St Magnus (and Orkney) Mourns The Duke of Edinburgh

Organisations in Orkney with innovative ideas for local investment are invited to bid for support from a new fund.

People across Orkney are encouraged to look out for their postal votes next week.

A free course for landlords will run in Orkney later this month aimed at ensuring they know how to register and how to comply with their obligations to tenants.

Following the First Minister’s recent announcement, all secondary and primary pupils in Orkney will return to full-time, in-person and face-to-face learning following the Easter break on Monday 19 April.

Residents must ensure they are on the Electoral Register by midnight on Monday 19 April if they wish to vote in the upcoming 6 May Scottish Parliament election.

The Westray gritter lorry has suffered a breakdown and will unfortunately be out of action over the weekend.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Orkney on 12 August 1960, an event covered by around 70 reporters from national newspapers and the BBC.

It has been announced by Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

Convener of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Harvey Johnston, expressed his deepest sympathies to Her Royal Highness Her Majesty the Queen and The Royal Family.

The Orkney Partnership is seeking views from the public on what priorities it should concentrate on in the year ahead.

Orkney Islands Council is advising residents in Shapinsay that refuse collection crews were unable to collect from all households today, April 7, due to mechanical issues with the refuse lorry.

Orkney Islands Council is warning of continued hazardous road conditions overnight tonight (6 April) and into tomorrow, 7 April, including ice.

A recent donation to the Orkney Museum has prompted staff to appeal for any information that could help identify the mystery model boat builder.

Orkney Islands Council is advising of disruptions and cancellations to waste and recycling collections in the county today (6 April) as a result of the current bad weather.

Papdale Primary School’s Murray Budge was joined by his classmates and a few school staff on the final stretch of his month-long walking fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on Wednesday 31 March.

A Met Office Yellow Warning for wind and snow remains in place for Orkney - with frequent snow and hail showers, accompanied by a very strong northerly wind, forecast throughout the day.

Orkney Islands Council’s Roads is reminding drivers of expected wintry road conditions over coming days.

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.

Orkney Islands Council is advising of the potential for black ice on the county's roads throughout next week, starting Sunday (4 April) night.

Orkney is among the top performing counties in some aspects of health and social care in Scotland, it was heard yesterday (Thursday 1 April 2021) as Councillors considered a national ‘benchmarking’ report of services for adults.

The children of Evie School have been helping put a “spring in the step” of the residents of Smiddybrae House and the wider community with some Easter artwork.

Police in Orkney are urging dog owners to be aware of the law and act responsibly around livestock ahead of start of the lambing season.

Orkney Islands Council has issued a reminder that Cursiter Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) will be closed this coming Monday (5 April), for the Easter Monday public holiday.

The Council’s Election Team has issued a reminder that the deadline to apply to vote by post in May’s election is coming up fast – it’s 17:00 on Tuesday April 6.

Teachers in Orkney are continuing to find new and innovative ways to ensure engagement with senior pupils who remain in school part-time.

The Council's Spring 2021 programme of community learning courses will open for bookings on 8 April.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Orkney Islands Council is holding a consultation event next week (Thursday 4 March 2021) on proposals to install a new extended slipway and landing jetty at the south end of Faray, in the North Isles.

The children of Papdale Nursery were sure of a big surprise recently with the gift of 94 knitted teddy bears!

Head Teachers at Orkney’s secondary schools have praised the uptake rate among pupils and staff voluntarily taking COVID19 tests.

One of Orkney’s Head Teachers was far from blue when she realised the efforts two of her pupils had gone to recently!

A fund for road and path repairs and improvements across Orkney is being recommended by Councillors.

Orkney’s busy festival programme and visitor attractions draw many to the islands every year. With travel currently restricted, XpoNorth recognises the importance of providing support to Orkney’s cultural economy. In partnership with Orkney Islands Council, XpoNorth will host two seminars which will focus on keeping people connected with the islands during these challenging times.

Eight artists based in Orkney have benefited from bursaries totalling £5,750 in the latest round of Visual Arts and Craft Maker’s Awards (VACMA) 2021-2022.

Elected Members have recommended Orkney Islands Council’s budget for the next financial year.

Good luck to all the children who are back into nursery and schools today, 22 February, as part of the Scottish Government’s phased return.

Orkney Islands Council’s Elections team is reminding people of the option to vote by post at the upcoming Scottish Parliament election in May.

Scotland’s National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, has written to parents and carers of nursery and primary age children explaining the reasons behind the decision for younger children to return to school.

Tributes have been paid to Orkney’s residential social care staff for the spirit of camaraderie shown during the recent wintry blast that badly affected parts of the county.

Orkney Islands Council is advising it plans to carry out surfacing works on Pickaquoy Road, Kirkwall starting on 9 March 2021.

The very first cohort of seafarers to be trained to work on hydrogen powered vessels have been put through their paces on a new course in Orkney.

If you are finding it difficult keeping up with your rent payments, or you need help with one-off rent deposit or removal costs, you may be eligible to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

Local artists and musicians are among those hosting a series of free online wellbeing sessions to help tackle the feelings of isolation and loneliness being felt by some young people in Orkney.

With level 3 restrictions set to continue in Orkney until at least mid-March, the Sport and Leisure Service are updating customers and staff on the impact this will have on facilities and activities up to 31 March.

Members of OLECG – which includes a broad range of organisations such as the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector – added a thanks to the “phenomenal” Team Orkney effort during the recent extreme conditions.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group is supporting Scottish Water’s efforts to trace and repair leaks across water networks on the Orkney Mainland.

Nurseries and schools in Orkney will join the rest of Scotland in a planned phased reopening from Monday 22 February.

Local Coastguard teams, the Police and the public have supported Orkney’s Homecare Service during the worst of the wintry spell making sure home carers could reach their service users whenever possible.

The Convener of Orkney Islands Council has praised the incredible reach of social media in aiding the winter messaging to our communities.

Orkney Islands Council is thanking residents for the show of support and cooperation in last week’s wintry blast and issuing advice for those whose household waste and recycling collections were affected.

Orkney Islands Council interim Chief Executive John Mundell and Chair of the Development and infrastructure Committee Councillor Graham Sinclair - joint statement of thanks.

Orkney’s home carers went to amazing efforts over the weekend to ensure visits to some of our most vulnerable folk continued.

The Convener of Orkney Islands Council has issued a plea for families to consider making the outer isles their home when planning a move.

The whiteout is rapidly being replaced by the more familiar green in many areas across Orkney as the thaw continues.

Orkney Islands Council is thanking the local community for the patience and support shown to the authority’s Roads team – and to each other – over the recent severe wintry weather, but is warning challenging road conditions remain.

A large section of the main Kirkwall to Stromness road has been closed due to treacherous conditions.

Police Scotland and Orkney Islands Council are urging people not to venture out on the county’s roads unless their journey is absolutely essential.

All priority one and two routes have been boarded/ploughed and treated at least once this morning by our gritter teams.

It’s another chilly one out there and although there was no snowfall overnight, rising wind is leading to further drifts on some of our roads.

People in South Ronaldsay and Burray with vaccination appointments in Kirkwall over the weekend are being advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys - and to keep an eye on weather and Churchill Barriers updates.

Local Coastguard teams have answered a plea for help from Orkney’s Homecare Service to ensure carers can reach some of the county’s most vulnerable folk with more snow and strong winds forecast into the weekend.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that road conditions will remain hazardous this evening and into tomorrow morning.

Orkney Islands Council is advising some refuse and recycling collections weren't able to be completed today, 11 February, due to ongoing wintry road conditions.

Orkney Islands Council is issuing advice to households whose household refuse and recycling collections were impacted yesterday, 10 February.

Orkney Islands Council advises residents of Hoy and Walls that unfortunately due to mechanical breakdown the refuse cart will not be available to carry out collections tomorrow, Thursday 11 February.

Orkney Islands Council is advising it was unable to complete refuse and recycling collections in some areas yesterday (Wednesday 10 February) due to ongoing wintry road conditions and unfortunately a mechanical issue.

Schools in Orkney are closed to all pupils for a second day due to the snow and icy conditions.

Cursiter Quarry - an update from the Council's interim Chief Executive John Mundell.

Road condition update and black ice warning for 9 and 10 February, from Orkney Islands Council's Roads team.

OIC gritter crews have been out since before the crack of dawn working to keep the main priority 1 roads clear and passable as much of the county has woken to a thick blanket of hazardous snow and ice, with large drifts in areas.

Following a second round of advertising Orkney Islands Council has decided not to hold interviews for the position of Chief Executive at this time.

All schools in Orkney are closed to all children and young people today, Tuesday, as much of the county is covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice leaving roads particularly hazardous.

On the 6th of May the elections for the Scottish Parliament will take place. If you are aged 16 or over that day, resident in Scotland and registered to vote, you will be able to take part.

Orkney Islands Council is warning of very challenging road conditions tonight (Monday 8 February) and into tomorrow, as road surface temperatures plummet.

As the nationwide winter freeze continues, Orkney Islands Council has suspended planned roadworks across the county today to enable a major effort in keeping priority 1 roads open.

Orkney Islands Council is continuing to lobby both the UK and Scottish Governments for improved access to telecommunication networks, as the digital divide continues to disadvantage many in Orkney.

Young people in Orkney are being asked to share their thoughts on how lockdown has affected them personally in a new initiative called “Lockdown Letters”.

Funding is now available from a new Scottish Government support scheme for eligible islands-based businesses.

Engineering and construction work are now complete at the Stromness Terminal Passenger Walkway.

Plans to rejuvenate a “treasured” play area in Longhope moved a step forward last week.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for young people in Orkney to contribute to a national challenge which could help to shape what future island life might be like for them.

Orkney’s visual arts and craft makers community is being reminded the closing date for the current rounds of VACMA grants is 2 February.

A new exhibition of paintings will open at the Orkney Museum on Tuesday 9 February. 'Echoes of Orkney' is a series of paintings by local artist Tom Nugent celebrating all aspects of Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council’s achievement in winning a prestigious award for school meals during a pandemic should encourage other local authorities to follow our example, according to the Scottish Government’s Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Ben Macpherson MSP.

Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan has welcomed the announcement of a substantial increase in Scottish Government funding for inter-island ferry services in the Northern Isles.

Anna described a typical day of home-schooling with poor broadband.

Parents in Orkney have spoken of the daily challenges of remote learning – and called on the Scottish Government to prioritise areas with the poorest coverage and deliver on their promise of superfast broadband for all.

With new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Orkney over recent days, Orkney’s Caring for People group is reminding everyone of the measures they can take to help keep themselves and others safe.

There are still a few days left to benefit from a scheme to help get some of Orkney’s elderly or disabled folk online and better connected.

Orkney Islands Council is advising motorists of possible delays from tomorrow (27 January 2021) as works start to upgrade the streetlighting system, on the A966 between Finstown and the firth School.

Orkney Islands Council is highlighting changes to the UK Government’s Kickstart scheme to local employers and commending local businesses for their response so far.

When Orkney, along with the rest of the UK, was swept into an emergency lockdown last year, the teaching profession was forced into a situation of largely unfamiliar practices – classes of remote, invisible pupils and a reliance on digital learning. In 2021, although in familiar territory, this time they were armed with previous knowledge and experience and teachers have come up with some innovative practices to continue learning with children and young people.

As Orkney continues to be in Level Three COVID-19 restrictions until at least mid-February, 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 28 February 2021.

Despite the best efforts of our gritters and crews over the weekend and this morning (25 January), we are receiving reports of some vehicles falling foul of the icy conditions.

Orkney Islands Council has arranged a special Saturday recycling collection run tomorrow (23 January) to collect the recycling missed in a number of Mainland areas on Thursday (21 January) due to the high winds.

The Orkney Museum is set to close temporarily while a new exhibition is set up.

Orkney Islands Council is advising it will be unable to carry out recycling collections in some areas today due to high winds.

Teachers and support staff in Orkney have joined pupils in a lockdown learning exercise  - using innovative ways to engage in live lessons online.

Parents in Orkney have spoken of the daily challenges of remote learning – and called on the Scottish Government to prioritise areas with the poorest coverage and deliver on their promise of superfast broadband for all.

Orkney Islands Council has experienced technical issues today (Wednesday 20 January) with the recycling vehicle serving Shapinsay.

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has embarked on a £3.7 million project to develop a sustainable aviation programme that could transform short flight travel between remote communities.

Orkney Islands Council is urging people interested in the wellbeing and interests of infants, children and young people in the county to consider becoming a member of the local Children's Panel.

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, has been extended until March.

Orkney businesses of all sizes are being urged to come forward with potential work placements for local young people, to help the county secure thirty government funded positions for workers aged 16-24.

With Orkney continuing to be in Level Three of the Scottish Governments COVID-19 restrictions until at least the 18 January, we want to update our customers and staff on what impacts this will have on Sport and Leisure activities and facilities from the 18 January until the 1 February 2021.

How are our small, but dedicated, CLD Team continuing to manage and develop since entering Level 3?

With change comes uncertainty and never more so is this being felt than at present as we all try our best to adjust to a new way of life.  For thousands of years, however, the people of Orkney have shown resilience and determination during times of adversity and have pulled together positively to seek innovative ways to work through challenging times, and this period is no exception.

In conjunction with the rest of the UK, parents, carers and pupils in Orkney experienced accessibility issues with Microsoft Teams – one of the main platforms being used for remote learning with schools closed meantime due to Scottish Government pandemic restrictions.

Orkney Islands Council is asking local residents who have been invited to join Orkney Opinions – but have not yet returned their membership survey - to do so by the end of this week.

As the mercury drops, Orkney Islands Council is highlighting again the help available for local householders through the Scottish Government’s HEEPS:ABS scheme to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Members of the public wishing to support, or object to, proposals for a six turbine wind farm at Wee Fea in Lyness are being reminded they have until the end of the month (31 January) to do so.

A replacement gritter has arrived on Hoy, and one is en route to Westray, ready to resume road treatments as required following breakdowns earlier this week.

Schools across Orkney will open tomorrow morning (Thursday 7 January) to provide childcare for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met this afternoon (5 January) to discuss yesterday's (4 January) update from the Scottish Government and the current rollout of vaccines to people aged over 80 in Orkney.

Unfortunately, due to vehicle breakdowns over the festive period, Orkney Islands Council gritters on Westray and Hoy are temporarily off the road.

Following the First Minister’s statement yesterday, Orkney Islands Council will fulfil the Scottish Government’s directive to open schools this week for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children – largely in line with the timeline set out to local families and carers before Christmas.

The Reel was a well-established and valued business in Kirkwall, providing a popular café bar alongside a venue for teaching and performance of traditional Orkney music.

Kirkwall’s Marlene Croy has been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for her voluntary service to St Magnus Cathedral and the wider Orkney community.

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council is calling for the Scottish Government to finally bring in cheaper ferry fares for residents and visitors to the county – more than a decade after they were first rolled out elsewhere in Scotland.

Orkney Islands Council understands and shares the Scottish Government’s concerns relating to the latest developments with the COVID 19 Virus and the continual need to review the prevailing circumstances across the Country and for each Council area. However, there currently remains no recorded COVID cases in Orkney. Accordingly, the Council believes that a bespoke Orkney response can be accommodated for the lead up to Christmas and for the New Year based on the prevailing data and science for the operation of our internal ferries and the return to school arrangements.

Orkney Islands Council is carrying out road works on Pickaquoy Road near the Co op supermarket on Monday 11 January and Tuesday 12 January 2021, between 09:00 and 16:00 each day.

We can now reveal that the most popular name choices for girls and boys in Orkney during 2020.

Orkney Islands Council is contacting families, carers and staff about current plans for opening schools in January after the Festive Season break.

Orkney Islands Council has advised the Scottish Government of concerns about the impact of Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions on local ferry services and communities – and how it is addressing these.

Following the recent Scottish Government announcement that Orkney will move into Level Three for a three-week period from 26 December 2020 – 17 January 2021, there will unfortunately be some changes to festive and day-to-day arrangements across Orkney’s Sport and Leisure facilities.

Staff at Orkney Health and Care have helped leading children’s charity Action for Children distribute grocery vouchers to vulnerable families and young children in the county ahead of Christmas.

Orkney Islands Council is opening temporary skips for paper and metals recycling over the festive period.

Orkney Islands Council is advising the Travel Centre in Kirkwall will close at 5.30pm on 23 December 2020 and re-open at 9am on 5 January 2021, due to recent antisocial behaviour at the facility.

Orkney Islands Council is contacting people across the county to invite them to become part of its public consultation group.

Orkney Islands Council is supporting a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to come forward as carers and claim the support they are entitled to.

Orkney Islands Council has published information on bus timetables over the upcoming festive period.

Orkney Islands Council is advising it has been unable to collect any refuse in Westray today (15 December), due to the breakdown of the collection vehicle.

Orkney Islands Council is renewing pleas to the community to not leave general waste at the newly re-opened recycling facilities in St Margaret’s Hope and Cursiter. 

A leaflet aimed at encouraging local people to pay special attention to their mental wellbeing this winter is launching this week.

Orkney Islands Council has published festive season arrangements for the upcoming Christmas and New Year period.

This includes changes to refuse and recycling collections, and emergency out-of-hours contact details.

The information can be viewed on the Council's Festive Arrangements page - or by clicking on the banner at the top of the Council's homepage.

The information was also published in the Orcadian newspaper on 10 December 2020.

Orkney Islands Council is inviting applications for its Culture Fund aimed at supporting cultural activity in Orkney.

An online exhibition – 'Orkney: Between Islands' – has just been launched as part of the Between Islands project.

Here’s an update on recycling collection arrangements for the week ahead – from Monday 14 December.

Applications are invited to the Community Transport Grant Scheme for 2021/2022.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) met on Monday 7 December and set up a small cross-agency working group to come together to support NHS Orkney with the COVID-19 vaccination programme that started this week.

Orkney Islands Council has welcomed news that the Scottish Government has taken a definitive stance that Higher and Advanced Higher exams will not go ahead this year and will be replaced instead by an assessment model based on teacher judgement and evidence of pupils' attainment.

The model for a “future-proofed” 40-place care facility to replace St Rognvald House in Kirkwall has now been approved this week by the Integration Joint Board (IJB).

Orkney Islands Councillors have agreed to continue to financially support Orkney hosting the International Island Games despite their postponement to 2025.

Orkney Islands Council is advising members of the public that the path to the Brough of Deerness has had to be closed following a significant slip of land.

North Isles Councillor Heather Woodbridge has been appointed to sit on several committees.

Christmas will come early for many of Orkney’s most vulnerable families with a £200 direct payment to those children receiving free school meals - £100 from the Scottish Government COVID Hardship Payment and a further top up payment of £100 thanks to an Orkney Islands Council grant agreed by Councillors today (Tuesday).

Congratulations to Orkney Islands Council for achieving the Food for Life Served Here Bronze award for their primary and secondary school meals service!

Grants provided by Orkney Islands Council aimed at supporting local businesses affected by the pandemic are changing.

Parts of Orkney Islands Council’s online services will experience disruptions on Saturday December 12.

The Scottish Government has called in the ‘Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project – Hoy’ planning application for determination.

Here’s an update on recycling collection arrangements for the week ahead – from Monday 7 December.

The Council’s Roads Services team will be carrying out maintenance works on the main (A965) Kirkwall to Stromness road - at Finstown - over the next couple of weeks.

A bit of Christmas sparkle should lift the spirits of visitors to The Orkney Museum during December.

Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Services Annual Report 2019-2020 has been published and details a strong performance across a number of areas.

Orkney Islands Council is advising mechanical issues have impacted the collection of refuse between Finstown and Kirkwall today (Thursday 3 December).

Orkney Islands Council is advising motorists that black ice alerts remain in place for the rest of today (Thursday 3 December) and into the small hours of tonight.

The Council is warning motorists of the risk of black ice on roads in the first icy blast of the season - and offering some advice for drivers.

Orkney is once again leading the drive to net zero and supporting UK government plans for a green industrial revolution with the launch of new green energy services.

The recycling centre at Cursiter Quarry will re-open on Tuesday 8 December.

Local management of the seas around Orkney moved a step closer this week – with the delegation of regional marine planning functions to Orkney Islands Council by Scottish Ministers today.

A special festive gift for the Orkney community has arrived in the county in the form of a live Christmas tree from the county of Vestland in Norway.

Here’s an update on recycling collection arrangements for the week ahead – from Monday 30 November.

Pupils across Orkney will be enjoying lamb this St Andrews Day for their school meals after a kind donation from the Orkney Auction Mart.

The first Orkney Community Halls Training Event to be held online due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions has been hailed a success.

Letters are being sent to all Orkney Islands Council’s council house tenants seeking views on a proposed rent increase for 2021-2022.

Orkney Islands Councillors have agreed a new funding package to support an ambitious and visionary action plan for Orkney’s economic recovery post COVID-19.

Artists and craft makers interested in pursuing a VACMA (Visual Artists and Craft Makers Award) grant from Orkney Islands Council can join a ‘Stay Home & Meet’ event next Wednesday evening (2 December 2020) to find out more about the process.

Pupils from Kirkwall Grammar and Papdale Primary Schools are linking with counterparts in Pakistan and Nepal as part of a unique global education programme, Connecting Classrooms.

Here’s an update on recycling collection arrangements for the week ahead – from Monday 23 November.

Fans of Aikerness Beach in Evie are being advised the public toilet there is now operating shorter opening hours, from midday to 4pm daily.

Orkney Islands Council is reminding vehicle owners of their obligations for keeping vehicle ownership details up to date and dealing with end-of-life vehicles correctly, off the back of increasing issues with abandoned vehicles issues in the county over the last few years.

Orkney’s Marine Services is enjoying a surge in oil industry activity despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

The Council’s Roads team will be putting up festive lighting in Victoria Street, Stromness, tomorrow (Thursday 19 November 2020).

Young carers in Orkney have been putting their time during a pandemic to good use – getting creative and producing a calendar, which is now for sale at a number of local outlets.

The recycling centre at St Margaret’s Hope will re-open on Tuesday 24 November.

Members of the public are being reminded that they have just under two weeks left to make their views known about a proposed wind farm on Faray - before a planning application is submitted early next year.

Funding is now available from a new Scottish Government support scheme for businesses that have had to close or significantly change their operations because of Covid-19 restrictions.

On Monday night (9 November) the Kirkwall Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funded project, the Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms, was recognised in the biennial Inverness Architectural Association Awards.

Monday (16 November) marks the start of week two of our new recycling collection arrangements.

People in Orkney are being reminded to check their voter registration details are up to date.

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has called on the Scottish Government for a further relaxation of Covid-19 rules to allow people in the county to visit one another’s homes.

Unable to gather the school for a Remembrance ceremony, Stromness Academy found a different way to remember.

Orkney Islands Council is delighted to announce that from 12:01 on Monday 9 November customers will be able to book courses, classes, gym and pool sessions online however, customers will firstly have to register.

The Kirkwall Travel Centre is due to reopen on Monday (November 9) complete with a CCTV system - in a bid to stamp out the anti-social behaviour which has plagued the public facility.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts to encourage local fishing vessel owners to register their boats as soon as possible – as the end of the Brexit transition period gets closer.

St Magnus Cathedral will be lighting up red on Wednesday 11 November to help raise awareness of the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Orkney Health and Care is part of the fabric of our community and our teams of skilled carers make a world of difference to the lives of the people who use our service.

Orkney Health and Care (OHAC) are on the recruitment hunt for people who may be thinking of a career in care.

The Board of Orkney Ferries has renewed an appeal to the Scottish Government for emergency funding to offset the severe impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the company.

Stromness Academy pupils and staff have been doing their bit to scare away hunger this Hallowe’en.

The Chair of Orkney’s Public Protection Committee has welcomed new legislation due to come into force this week in Scotland which will make all forms of physical punishment of children against the law.

Next week our waste team will be collecting paper and card in the kerbside recycling collections.

Orkney Islands Council is to provide two new Covid-19 business support measures.

Orkney Islands Council is supporting Papdale East Playpark Association (PEPA) to progress the ‘Help Shape the Future of Papdale’ project to its next stage.

Orkney Islands Council is warning that an “intolerable” level of vandalism at the St Magnus Lane Public Toilets will lead to their closure if it does not stop.

In common with the rest of the nation, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations in public will be minimised this year with people in Orkney encouraged to “Remember at Home” instead.

Kerbside recycling collections are to start again in Westray and Shapinsay next month.

Fortnightly recycling collections will begin again in November – with two types of recyclable materials picked up from the kerbside every two weeks.

Applications can now be made for support from the Scottish Government’s new £48 million fund to help businesses affected by temporary restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) have had to close Victoria Street in Stromness to locate and repair a cable fault.

Next week (beginning Monday 26 October) kerbside recycling will be back to tins and cans.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that special collections for the non-linked Islands of Orkney will begin again after being suspended due to the pandemic.

Orkney Islands Council is re-opening a further six public toilets.

For the week beginning 19 October, the waste team will be collecting plastic bottles in the kerbside recycling.

Orkney Health and Care is seeking to recruit more foster carers.

Orkney Islands Council are advising that this year’s Visual Artist and Craft Maker Award (VACMA) will be offering a slightly different service.

Orkney Islands Council has launched a consultation on revised plans for a six turbine wind farm on Faray.

The Environmental Health team at Orkney Islands Council is urging local owners to register their fishing vessels and arrange for an inspection as soon as possible.

Orkney’s two new tugs were officially named Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa during a ceremony at Scapa Pier on Monday. (October 12)

From today (Monday 12 October), anyone in employment, or self-employed, who gets one of the low-income benefits listed below will be able to claim a £500 self-isolation support payment from the Scottish Welfare Fund, if they are asked to self-isolate by the Test and Protect service.

The annual Orkney Community Halls Training Event is due to be held online for the first time later this month due to ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Starting Monday 12 October, kerbside recycling will revert back to glass collection.

Young children from St Andrews Nursery and older members of the East Mainland community are joining forces in a new pen pal initiative called “Bridging the Gap”.

Councillors have agreed to take ownership of the island of Little Green Holm as an investment for part of Orkney’s biodiversity future.

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the opportunity for further engagement with the Scottish Government on the potential for a more localised approach to coronavirus restrictions.

The “groundbreaking” local delivery of the Orkney Dementia Strategy has moved a step forward with the adoption of the “exemplar” document.

A planning application has been submitted by Orkney Islands Council for a six-turbine wind farm development at Wee Fea in Hoy.

From today,  Monday 5 October, Stromness Library, Warehouse Buildings will be taking bookings for Public Access PCs and the George Mackay Brown Room.

For the week beginning 5 October, the waste team will be collecting paper and thin card in the kerbside recycling. 

Voters in the North Isles have elected Heather Woodbridge to represent the ward on Orkney Islands Council.

We want to remind people aged 60 and over that they can apply for their National Entitlement Card (NEC) online.

Orkney Islands Council reintroduced the first hour free in car parks around the county this week.

The fourth Annual Performance Report 2019/2020 for the Orkney Integration Joint Board has outlined significant highlights over the past year, while detailing key challenges and priorities moving forward.

Orkney’s unpaid carers - described as the county’s “unsung heroes” – are being encouraged to access emotional, practical and financial support services available to them.

This week sees the release of the mid-point review consultation of the Local Housing Strategy 2017 – 2022.

Four young people from Orkney have shared their experiences at a national political level on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on career and employment opportunities.

North Isles residents are encouraged to return postal votes as soon as possible to ensure they arrive in time for the by-election on Thursday October 1.

The waste team will be collecting, for the week beginning 28 September, metals and cans in the kerbside recycling.

The chance to take a virtual tour of buildings across Orkney is on offer this weekend.

As from Wednesday 23 September, people aged 60 and over will be able to apply for their National Entitlement Card (NEC) online.

Householders and companies in Orkney will be able to donate their unwanted electricals via a new collection service to support Restart Orkney, a local charity.

The Scottish Government’s scheme Eat Out to Help Out that was introduced into school canteens within Orkney when they opened in August was gratefully received.