Kirkwall’s Christmas tree – a gift from Norway - will be lit up this Saturday (December 3) as part of a series of outdoor tree lighting ceremonies.

As in previous years, the Christmas tree – which will stand on the Kirk Green outside St Magnus Cathedral - has been gifted by the county of Vestland in Norway, the county formed by the merger of Sogn og Fjordane and Hordaland, which has gifted the tree for many years.

Check here for the opening times of our waste management sites for both businesses and households during the festive period!

Oh no, they’re not…oh yes, they are! The festive shows will go ahead in Orkney’s schools this Christmas with communities welcome to attend for the first time since 2019!

There may have been no room at the inn, but there’s plenty of space within our schools for folk to come along and enjoy the nativities and concerts as safely as possible.

Orkney Islands Council is grateful to all the people and organisations for their help and support with these events.