Latest News

Orkney Islands Council’s Environmental Health Team is reminding all food businesses and producers of the need to make sure they follow food labelling rules.

The reminder coincides with the anniversary of Natasha’s Law on 1 October, which introduced a new legal requirement for anybody selling food to the public to identify the presence of any the 14 mandatory allergens in their food. This followed the tragic death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperpouse from a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds.

The Council's recycling centre at Cursiter Quarry in Finstown will be closed on Wednesday 28 September, reopening on Tuesday 4 October to allow for a clean-up operation following illegal dumping of waste at the site.

Orkney Islands Council is reminding the public that winter opening hours will be in operation from 1 October for all its waste and recycling facilities.

The smiles and squeals of excitement from pupils at Westray Junior High School summed up their delight at the latest donation from Cooke Aquaculture which enabled the purchase of a variety of outdoor play equipment.

Thanks to funding, the school was able to purchase outside Connect 4, Jenga, a four hoop basketball stand, wobble cushions, skipping ropes, netball nets, volleyballs and much more to ensure there’s something to suit all ages.

The Orkney International Science Festival inspired Papdale Primary School pupils to hold their own Science Fair on September 21 and 22.

After exploring and experimenting in class, pupils had the opportunity to host their own stalls to share what they had learned with each other.  Amidst plenty of floating, sinking, firing, spinning, blowing and stamping they were encouraged to ask questions and discover answers about the world around them.  This leads to more questions and answers - and scientists of the future may be born. 

A new campaign launches this week aiming to raise awareness across the county on employee rights.

The campaign entitled 'Did You Know?' is aimed at both employees and employers - and is being run by the Orkney Local Employability Partnership. 

Posters will be on display in public areas and on social media. 

Orkney Health and Care’s mental health service for children and young people is reminding young people and their families to respond to the survey on the use of video consultations.

A reminder our roads teams are out and about across the county carrying out the current programme of surfacing and patching work.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Orkney Islands Council (OIC) have approved a funding package totalling £2.8m towards the second phase of development at Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC).

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Nadhim Zahawi, will chair the first Islands Forum in Orkney on 28 September 2022.