The Council has launched a public consultation on a proposed new variable 20mph speed limit at Orkney’s island schools.

This would bring them into line with Mainland schools which already have these in place.

The draft order – under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 – proposes to create a variable 20mph speed limit on sections of the following roads outside the schools:

Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users to enable safe access and egress to No18 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, for vehicles, plant and materials in connection with the redevelopment of No18 Bridge Street, Kirkwall.

Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to ensure the safety of site personnel and footpath / cycle path users while works are carried out associated with the installation of streetlighting along the footway.

Due to the ongoing wintry conditions, most schools across Orkney are to close early.

Schools are contacting parents directly to ask for children to be collected where that’s preferred and possible from now. Stagecoach have also advised that they are planning to run the school buses at the earlier time of 2pm today. This will be on priority main roads (class A) only.

The Orkney Ferries fleet – supported by charters – are working together to ensure a service continues to all islands following the Eynhallow’s engine troubles. 

The vessel, which serves Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, suffered a seized engine on Monday this week and is undergoing repairs locally. The Eynhallow will resume service as soon as possible and updates will be provided.