OIC News
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group – OLECG, made up of representatives from a broad range of organisations, including the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector, continue to meet virtually during this pandemic.
The Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) at Hatston and Garson are set to reopen on Tuesday (June 2) - and will initially accept only garden waste.
Kerbside recycling collections will be for plastic bottles next week.
Orkney Islands Council is advising that this week’s announcements on the move to Phase One of the Scottish Government’s Route Map out of Lockdown will result in no immediate change to current public transport arrangements.
The Caring for People group, continue to meet virtually to work together to discuss how services can support individuals and communities in both responding to and recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A loan scheme to assist local businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis is launched today by Orkney Islands Council.
The phased re-opening of Orkney’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) is set to begin early next month.
Transport Scotland has announced that local authorities can now begin accepting and processing applications for the replacement and renewal of National Entitlement Cards, however, applications for new cards are still not being accepted at present.
Childcare Hubs ensure frontline workers can continue to play their part in the fight against the coronavirus — while home learning largely replaces traditional schooling in the county.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) are continuing to meet virtually to monitor the response to Covid-19 across Orkney.
Orkney Islands Council is to extend a food funding scheme that supports residents in the isles.
Recycling collections are set to begin again on a phased basis for households in Orkney Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay – and will take place weekly over the next four weeks.
Orkney Health and Care, in partnership with public and voluntary-sector agencies from throughout Orkney, have produced a leaflet that provides details of where you can find help and support with your mental health and wellbeing, along with some tips on how to stay well.
A problem affecting Orkney Islands Council’s internet connections has been resolved.
The Council’s doors may remain closed as part of the nation’s ongoing coronavirus lockdown, but it’s very much “business as usual” for many of our own frontline workers.
Here, we take a closer look at the “front face” of the Local Authority – those customer service teams in Kirkwall and Stromness who have adapted to a new way of working in these challenging times.
Orkney Islands Council relies on its partnership working with Community Councils and this has never been so important as during the current challenging times.
The Council would like to thank all the volunteers for their commitment in ensuring the work of Community Councils continues – at a safe, social distance.
Orkney Islands Council is calling for a halt to moves by Highland and Islands Airports Limited to press ahead with plans to centralise air traffic control operations – at least until a full Islands Impact Assessment is carried out.
Orkney Islands Council is experiencing disruption to two of its main internet connections.
Revised arrangements have been put in place by Orkney Islands Council for consulting with the public on proposed plans for a wind farm development in Hoy. As the development is classed as a 'major development' there is a requirement to submit a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the planning authority and carry out a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) – which usually would include a public event or exhibition.
With low water levels reported elsewhere in Scotland, Orkney Islands Council is offering some handy tips to people in the county with private water supplies – in case they experience similar problems later in the year.
Key agencies working to support the Orkney community during the coronavirus pandemic met virtually again today.
It’s been 75 years since the Churchill Barriers officially opened on 12 May 1945 - four days after Victory in Europe day.
Orkney Islands Council is keen to support all contracted suppliers through this difficult time to ensure that they are able either to continue to work with us through the crisis or, where that is not possible, to be in a position to resume normal service delivery when the outbreak is over.
We would firstly like to thank the Orkney public for their understanding and co-operation with the changes in how waste collections and Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) operate as a result of COVID-19, and for all the drawings and comments in support of Orkney’s refuse collection teams. Your thanks and support are truly appreciated, as they keep this essential service running every day.
The long-held aspiration to restore the Hall of Clestrain – birthplace and childhood home of Orcadian Arctic explorer Dr John Rae - moved a step closer this week, with funding secured from the Council’s Community Development Fund towards a feasibility works project.
Orkney Islands Council has established a council loan scheme to assist local businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council is encouraging those who are self-employed to go online and check to see if they are eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) - which opens next week.
The Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group is supporting Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service in urging Orkney communities to stay safe in their homes during the continuing covid-19 pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council Leader, Councillor James Stockan, has described the Scottish Government’s decision to pass £155 million of funding from the UK Government in full to Councils as a ‘significant victory for local government’.
A support initiative for businesses experiencing hardship is launched today by Orkney Islands Council (Friday 1 May).
They come from all walks of life but have one thing in common – a willingness to help in whatever way necessary to support Orkney’s most vulnerable people as the nation continues to wage war on the coronavirus.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts to encourage people with non-coronavirus health concerns to seek help as they would have done before the outbreak.
Orkney Islands Council has taken steps to make sure supplies of free dog poo bags are still available for people to use.
The flag at the Council offices in Kirkwall is flying at half mast as part of the nationwide tribute to key workers who have lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council is engaged in discussions on whether an islands-based approach should be considered for tackling the spread of Covid-19 – and for the eventual lifting of coronavirus restrictions.
Orkney Health and Care and NHS Orkney are thanking people and groups who have offered support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vessel purchased to replace the ageing ferry Golden Mariana has arrived in Orkney.
Following feedback, Orkney Islands Council has reopened some of its public toilets for key workers to use while making essential journeys as part of their work.
You may have heard a report on BBC Radio Orkney this morning (23 April) about our Harbours Masterplan document, which was agreed at last week’s Full Council meeting. The following provides more information on the document and clarifies some of the points made during the report.
The Scottish Government has called in the ‘Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project – Quanterness’ planning application for determination.
Scottish Ministers will now be responsible for making the final decision on whether or not to grant planning permission for the project.
A fund to assist vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic has been set up by Orkney Islands Council.
Orkney Foodbank has seen a “phenomenal” response from local folk through increased financial and food donations since Coronavirus started impacting – and last week received a further contribution of goods from a Grampian-based charity involved in fighting hunger and tackling food waste.
Orkney Islands Council is reminding pilots that recreational flights should not be made to North Isles airfields during the coronavirus crisis.
In these uncertain times keeping fit and healthy is vital for a lot of people in Orkney. Therefore, it’s great that so many of Orkney’s fitness class instructors are hosting virtual classes.
Orkney Islands Council has asked contractors to provide a limited grounds maintenance service during the coronavirus outbreak.
You can now apply for a council tax reduction online through our new customer services platform, MyOrkney.
A survey on options the Council might consider in response to wave over-topping at the second Churchill Barrier is to remain open for the time being.
A funding mechanism has been established by Orkney Islands Council to support isles residents in buying goods from the isles shops.
With internal ferry travel restrictions currently in place due to Covid-19, isles residents are mainly reliant on island-based shops for their shopping rather than mainland supermarkets - where prices may be cheaper.
Orkney Islands Council has established an initial £5m fund to support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund will be set up to provide grants and loans and comes primarily from the Strategic Reserve Fund and supplemented by a mix of Crown Estate funding and the Council's Renewable, Redevelopment and Regeneration Fund.
A recent inspection of Evie Primary School’s nursery by the Care Inspectorate has graded the ‘quality of care and support’ and the ‘quality of staffing’ as ‘five - very good’.
A second wave of people identified as most at risk from Covid-19 are to receive essential assistance thanks to a new national helpline, which will work in partnership with the Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub.
Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) has thanked people across the county for their response to the coronavirus pandemic and urged that measures to slow the spread of infection continue to be followed.
People in Orkney have until Wednesday next week to take part in a survey on options the Council might consider in response to wave over-topping at the second Churchill Barrier.
Nearly £3 million has been awarded by Orkney Islands Council in Government grants to businesses to help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Orkney Islands Council is appealing for people to avoid leaving domestic waste outside Household Recycling Centres, which are now closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Childcare for the children of keyworkers continues to be on offer over the Easter holiday period - to help parents and carers play their part in Orkney’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
