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.
By day, the Council’s Debbie Delday helps some of Orkney’s peedie folk at Papdale Primary School – by night, she dons her apron and turns into “Mrs Fudge” – a community charity fundraiser aficionado!
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-10 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.
The Council’s Roads Team are in discussions with Police Scotland over possible roads closures as conditions worsen in areas of the county.
Thankfully, it’s the weekend and we are hoping many more folk will be able to stay home and safe as the message is clear – do not travel other than for essential reasons only.
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.
