Latest News

The ballot boxes are pictured arriving at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall this morning, Friday, ahead of the count for the Scottish Parliament Election.

The Freedom of Orkney has today been bestowed on the Royal Navy Northern Diving Group, in recognition of their long association with commemorating those lost in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak and in keeping the Orkney community safe through the safe disposal of modern and historic ordnance, including torpedoes and mines.

Public toilet facilities in Orkney continue to be targeted by vandals – leading to a warning that further restrictions may be necessary.

Orkney Islands Council and Kirkwall Police are warning of the potential dangers of the “irresponsible” behaviour which saw around 50 road signs in Kirkwall and the East Mainland being turned and obscured from the view of motorists this week.

Every effort is made by Council staff to ensure that everyone who wants to vote can – even if that means hand delivering a replacement postal vote for someone in hospital!

With the grass-cutting season upon us, the Council is pleased to announce the phased re-opening of the Bossack Household Waste Recycling Centre on Tuesday 11 May.

A virtual awards ceremony was held this week to celebrate the efforts of S2 pupils from Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School who took part in the Fereday Prize for a Local History Investigation.

Primary 1 children from St Andrews Primary School were delighted to see their lifeboat artwork framed and displayed on the Kirkwall Lifeboat Station wall.

The Council’s Planning Service has launched a customer satisfaction survey to allow users of the service to share their experiences.

Orkney Islands Council has issued a reminder that Cursiter Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) will be closed this coming Monday (3 May), for the May Day public holiday.