Latest News

Following the successful launch of the Our Orkney, Our Story project in August, which gathered community views about tourism pressures and opportunities, the Council is now building on that work with a series of Community Tourism Conversations.

The introduction of an overnight visitor levy in Orkney will not go ahead at this time following a recommendation passed at today’s (23 September 2025) meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.  

Proposals to make Albert and Bridge Street vehicle free between 11am and 3pm daily and also late at night are being published for final scrutiny and comment by the public.

It’s been confirmed a much anticipated second Carers Conference will take place in Orkney on 27 November, 2025.

A contract for Phase 2 of Orkney Islands Council’s Ferry Replacement Programme and Orkney Harbours Masterplan has been awarded to firm Arch Henderson, in partnership with Leadship Design and Consulting. 

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership has today published its Draft Orkney Community Wealth Building (CWB) Action Plan for public consultation and is inviting comments and submissions from individuals, community groups, businesses, and stakeholders across the county. 

Orkney Islands Council is seeking feedback from the public about its website, and any improvements the community would like to see.

During the recent Our Budget Challenges survey there was useful feedback from the public that our website could be improved. We are now looking for more information and details to help us do this.

A series of public engagement sessions looking more closely at the feasibility of a visitor levy on overnight stays in certain accommodation in Orkney are due to get underway this month (March). 

The Council’s Roads team are holding two engagement events to gather feedback from folks with mobility issues on proposed changes to the current ‘Prohibition of Driving’ for Bridge Street and Albert Street.