OIC News
Key agencies working to support the Orkney community during the coronavirus pandemic met today in response to the latest developments in the outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council is accepting applications for welfare benefits via two funding streams – Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
A reduction in Council Tax can also be applied for.
Over £1 million of Government business grants are due to be paid out locally today (April 6) by Orkney Islands Council.
The payments, totalling £1,135,000, consist of eleven £25,000 grants and 86 £10,000 grants.
The “tremendous effort” by staff and volunteers in bringing the new Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub to fruition has been praised.
An appeal for people with available accommodation to get in touch with the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) has met with a strong response.
Orkney Islands Council has published an online guide to the household waste collection arrangements that will operate during the coronavirus outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council is expecting to make the first payments from the Scottish Government business grant funds on April 6.
The Council is administering the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met today in response to the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to the changes to ferry timetables, refuse collections in Hoy have now been scheduled for Wednesdays, with the first collection being tomorrow – 01 April 2020.
As of today, all council carparks will be free of charge as part of OIC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Public Protection Chief Officer’s Group are urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for children who may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect during the COVID-19 coronavirus public health emergency. It’s now more important than ever for members of the public to speak up if they’re concerned about a child or children.
Representatives from a broad range of business sectors have begun discussions with Orkney’s newly established Economic and Business Response and Recovery Group on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
A call centre to provide essential information and support to the most vulnerable people in Orkney has been established which will open formally on Monday.
The NHS is notifying all those most at risk – and for whom the new service is aimed at - by letter.
Following recent measures put in place by the UK and Scottish Government in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Orkney Islands Council has clarified the categories of ‘key workers’ required to support essential services locally.
Are you out of work, recently retired, or can you spare even a couple of hours a week? Orkney Islands Council is looking at ways to staff vital service areas in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and one of the options will be offering additional short-term employment.
As part of the efforts to help to delay the spread of COVID-19, the Registration Office at Kirkwall is closed to the public until further notice.
Public toilets and pier waiting rooms across the Mainland and the isles are being closed as part of Orkney Islands Council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses can now apply for grants to help them deal with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council are advising that as of Thursday, 26 March, new revised public bus timetables will come into effect until further notice.
Visiting can no longer take place at care homes operated by Orkney Health and Care in response to the strengthening of nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Orkney Islands Council is now focusing its efforts on the most essential services the local community requires – after the UK and Scottish Governments announced stringent new measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met virtually today in response to the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic - with representatives involved from all key agencies across the county.
Following advice from our Executive Director and Head of Service I have to inform you that the Orkney Islands Council - Building Standards service has been temporarily suspended until the current COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, or alternative measures have been implemented to allow staff to undertake work from home.
Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Service is advising that due to the current COVID-19 situation and recent guidance for contractors, only emergency repairs will be carried out within their houses – for example internal power failure or leak.
Orkney Islands Council continues to take steps to ensure childcare is provided in schools and nurseries for the children of key workers.
The five Recycling Centres in Orkney – at Hatston, Garson, Cursiter, St Margaret’s Hope and Bossack – remain open as normal at present.
Following the announcement earlier this afternoon that the Scottish Government has requested all local authorities to take extra steps to support the most vulnerable in our community, Council officers have swung into action this afternoon to get this up and running.
Over the weekend, Orkney Islands Council’s education staff have responded to 250 applications for childcare for key workers' children and young people under the age of 16.
Visiting restrictions to our Care Homes are now in place following guidance from Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland to help delay the spread of COVID-19.
Orkney Islands Council, Business Gateway Orkney and other partner agencies have established an Economic and Business Response and Recovery Group.
With recent developments in the coronavirus outbreak, we understand that many Council Tax payers may be worried about the bills for the new financial year that we recently issued
Orkney Islands Council has launched a new online platform which will make it easier to get in touch, make online payments and to report and track issues and requests.
The Council has responded to the announcement from the Scottish Government that schools and local authority nurseries will close from Friday afternoon (20 March).
Leisure, cultural and library facilities in Orkney will close to the public later this week as part of efforts to help prevent infection by the coronavirus.
Following yesterday's announcement on school closures by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Council is awaiting clarification from the Scottish Government on the detail behind this.
A contractor has been appointed and work will begin shortly to start repairs to a damaged section of wall in Stromness.
Detailed planning has taken place over recent weeks to ensure the Council can respond as effectively as possible in the event of Covid-19 cases in Orkney.
From Monday 16 March, Orkney Islands Council will be carrying out carriageway repairs and resurfacing on the Ontoft Road, from Cromarty Square to the Pier Road, in St Margaret’s Hope.
Orkney Islands Council is seeking to get in touch with the owners of a memorial bench at the Downies Lane viewpoint in Stromness.
People in Orkney are being asked for their views on options the Council might consider in response to wave over-topping at the second Churchill Barrier.
Orkney Islands Council is to present revised plans for a seven-turbine wind farm in Hoy to the public later this month to allow folk to provide input in advance of a planning application being submitted later this year.
Orkney Islands Council say work is ongoing to find solutions to reduce the risk of flooding within St Margaret’s Hope.
Work to install 'met masts' at two of the sites being considered as part of 'Orkney's Community Wind Farm Project’ is due to get underway shortly.
The first of the Orkney Islands Council two new tugs – Odin of Scapa – was launched at the end of February at the Sanmar Shipyard at Altinova in Turkey.
Orkney Islands Council are inviting comments on their planning document - Supplementary Guidance: Housing in the Countryside.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for businesses in Orkney to attend a free seminar for those interested in global market growth, particularly between the UK and Japan.
Elected Members have agreed Orkney Islands Council’s budget for the next financial year.
Orkney Islands Council is set to purchase a vessel to replace the aging ferry MV Golden Mariana.
Saturday, 7 March, sees the opening of a new exhibition at the Orkney Museum, Tankerness House, Kirkwall.
Orkney Library & Archive is looking to hear the views of local folk about the services they provide.
A selection of artworks from Orkney Islands Council’s wartime collections, some of which have never been shown before, will be on display at Orkney Museum from 29 February to 4 April.
A new alcohol and drug hub is to be trialled in Orkney.
After more than 42 years helping steer the office side of Orkney Ferries, Lorraine MacDonald is heading off to new pastures.
Elected Members have recommended Orkney Islands Council’s budget for the next financial year.
Orkney Islands Council is encouraging local groups to apply for funding from a national youth work fund.
Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan has welcomed an announcement of £5 million in funding from the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
People in Orkney are being encouraged to take part in a survey to gather information surrounding their views and experiences of electric vehicles and associated charging technology.
A planning application has been submitted by Orkney Islands Council this week for a six-turbine wind farm development at Quanterness outside Kirkwall.
Orkney Islands Council Leader Councillor James Stockan has paid tribute to council employees for their “incredible efforts” in dealing with the difficult storm conditions in Orkney this month.
A support group for “Kinship Carers” is being set up in Orkney.
A ferry carrying essential supplies is due to visit North Ronaldsay tomorrow (Wednesday 19 February), almost three weeks since the island last received cargo by sea – and with this weekend’s scheduled sailing almost certain to be cancelled again.
A new Community Learning Class is starting in March titled Maths for Parents.
OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, is advising people living in coastal areas at risk of flooding to remain vigilant.
OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, is advising people living in areas that could be affected by coastal flooding to keep an eye on updates from SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, met today for a second time in preparation for potential flooding in coastal areas of the county.
OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, met today in response to forecasts of serious flooding throughout the county.
Under the draft settlement announced by the Scottish Government, the main funding Orkney Islands Council receives to run services will be £77.5 million for 2020-2021.
Orkney Islands Council have reopened the section of Broad Street outside the Royal Bank of Scotland after the street works that’s part of the Kirkwall THI project finished ahead of schedule.
The three Island Councils have called for a moratorium on plans by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) to centralise air traffic control services.
The ground-breaking ReFLEX Orkney project is to progress from feasibility studies into a demonstration phase.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council is asking for a rethink by the First Minister after receiving a “frustrating and disappointing” response to a call for fair funding for local ferry services.
This Saturday sees the opening at the Orkney Museum, Tankerness House, of the exhibition “The Life and Times of Orkney Artist Jim Baikie”.
A new head teacher has been appointed for Papa Westray Community School.
Orkney Library and Archive’s round-the-clock borrowing service is expanding – with more titles available from early next week.
The Queen’s appointment of Elaine Grieve as the 21st Lord-Lieutenant for Orkney was warmly welcomed today (Wednesday 29 January).
Two schools in Orkney have received prestigious Gold sportscotland School Sport Awards.
An appeal for stories, letters and artefacts from the Italian Chapel Prisoners of War has been launched by the committee who look after the Lamb Holm place of worship.
Orkney Islands Council will be carrying out road maintenance on Victoria Street and Graham Place, Stromness, between Church Road and Dundas Street.
Tribute has been paid to Bill Spence on his retirement as Orkney’s Lord-Lieutenant.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that the closing date for funding to improve the energy efficiency of local homes is at the end of March 2020.
Orkney Islands Council is about to begin January’s delivery of Red Bags for household waste.
For seven years Jenni Kakkonen has followed the fortunes of tiny creatures living around the shores of Scapa Flow.
The new care home in Stromness will open its doors to the public for the first time later this week.
A review of polling arrangements in Orkney is underway.
Orkney Islands Council will hold consultation sessions later this month to present proposals for on-street parking in Kirkwall town centre, and give local businesses, residents and the wider public an opportunity to comment.
Existing and potential business people in Stronsay - Orkney’s Island of Bays - are being invited to take part in a “Business Academy” pilot project, due to get off the ground in February.
With the worst risk of flooding now over, organisations involved in Orkney’s response to Storm Brendan will continue for a time to keep an eye out for potential impacts.
OLECG, the Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group, met today in response to forecasts of serious flooding throughout the county.
Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan has voiced his concern that a freight ship will be standing in for the MV Hamnavoe during the ferry’s refit period.
The road works in Stromness that started earlier this week are due to continue from Monday (13 January) along the main street through the town.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that part of Carness Road will be closed to traffic from Monday 13 January to Sunday 19 January to enable underground services to be laid to the Carness housing development.
Families in Orkney are being encouraged to enrol their children for fully funded early learning and childcare ahead of a major expansion this summer.
Opportunities to strengthen and build new links with nations in the Arctic were discussed during a visit to Orkney by leading figures with a keen interest in the region.
The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has sent a strongly-worded open letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, accusing the Scottish Government of ‘blatant discrimination’ in the funding of local ferry services.
Orkney Islands Council is warning of the dangers of placing batteries in household and business waste – after fire resulted in the temporary closure of the Chinglebraes Waste Transfer Station.
A scheme aimed at helping local artists and crafts people take their creative development and ideas to the next level is open once again for applications, following renewed backing from Creative Scotland.
Orkney Islands Council’s Trading Standards team is highlighting advice about the washing machine recall announced this week.
A Christmas tree collection for households within 30mph areas on the Orkney Mainland and in the connected South Isles will take place in early February.
Orkney’s new tugs will be called Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa.
Island athletes are being given the opportunity to benefit from a scheme to support them with travel costs thanks to a partnership between sportscotland and the local authorities in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
Scottish Liberal Democrats candidate Alistair Carmichael has been re-elected to serve as MP for Orkney and Shetland.
Orkney Islands Council is inviting applications for its Culture Fund which is aimed at supporting cultural activity in Orkney.
People voting by post in Orkney are urged to return their postal votes in sufficient time to reach next week’s General Election count in Kirkwall.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that road maintenance work will be carried out in Kirkwall next week.
Orkney Islands Council is starting to have more recycling vehicles available to carry out collections after a number of recent breakdowns.
An event this week offers the chance to discover how the development of a different approach to providing social care and community health services is progressing in Orkney.
Partner agencies in Orkney will be operating a safe space for revellers on so-called ‘Mad Friday’ during the festive period.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that Palace Road and Tankerness Lane in Kirkwall will be open to traffic again from Monday (2 December).
Voters in Orkney are reminded they still have time to apply for a proxy vote.
Orkney is getting into the festive spirit with the annual tree lighting season starting this week.
The MV Shapinsay will provide ferry services to and from Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre from Monday 25 November.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that road maintenance work will be carried out in Kirkwall next week.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that festive lighting will be put up in Stromness on Monday 25 November.
Alistair Buchan, Orkney Islands Council’s Chief Executive since 1997, has retired on medical grounds.
Orkney Islands Council has issued a reminder that people under a week left to help choose names for the county's two new tugs.
With under four weeks to go before the General Election, voters in Orkney and Shetland are being urged to think now about how they plan to take part in the poll.
A new exhibition at the Orkney Museum features a colourful Russian link with the islands in the 1800s
Six candidates have put their names forward to stand for the Orkney and Shetland Constituency in the UK General Election in December.
Orkney Islands Council advising that festive lighting will be put up in St Margaret’s Hope on Thursday 14 November 2019.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that road maintenance work will be carried out in Kirkwall next week.
The Notice of Election for December’s General Election has been published today (Friday 8 November).
Sports Awards Nominations are requested for the most prestigious awards in Orkney sport.
Orkney Islands Council is advising of plans for resurfacing works on six roads around Orkney over coming months.
Young people from across Orkney will gather in the Council Chamber to debate issues of importance to them later this month.
A record number of Scottish schools - 12 of them from Orkney - have received a prestigious award from sportscotland in recognition of their commitment to school sport.
A public vote is underway to select the names for Orkney’s new tugs - currently under construction in Turkey.
Orkney Islands Council is to present revised plans for a six turbine wind farm at Quanterness to the public later this month.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that Alfred Street in Stromness will be closed to traffic from Monday 4 November for around five weeks to allow drainage work to take place.
Road maintenance work is planned for Stromness next week.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that a section of Palace Road in Kirkwall is set to be closed to traffic for around five weeks.
Mechanical issues have affected recycling collections today (Monday 21 October) and will also cause disruptions tomorrow (Tuesday 22 October)
A special open day takes place this week, showcasing the new Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) Robert Rendall building in Stromness.
Orkney Islands Council has issued a safety reminder after maritime distress flares were dumped at St Margaret’s Hope household waste and recycling centre.
The body overseeing the delivery of health and social care in the county has published its plan for the next three years.
Orkney Islands Council will be carrying out flagstone replacement works in Dundas Street, Stromness next week.
