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Work is continuing within Orkney Islands Council to ensure families in Orkney have access to childcare, including the provision of increased free childcare hours in most nursery settings from this month (August).

Pre-school and nursery settings in Orkney will reopen in full on August 17 following the recent Scottish Government announcement.

Friday 7 August saw the last day of the Orkney Coronavirus Community Support Hub being situated at the Pickaquoy Centre, now that shielding has paused in Scotland

People in Orkney are being encouraged to check their voter registration details are up to date.

Residents are asked to complete and return an annual form sent by the local Electoral Registration Office – to ensure they retain the right to vote in future elections.

Orkney Islands Council will be carrying out resurfacing works on Tankerness Lane - which are planned to start on Monday 10 August 2020.

The Point of Ness Campsite, Rackwick Hostel and the Hoy Centre were some of the first facilities to be re-opened following the initial phases in the easing of lockdown. As a result of the significant demand for pitches at our Point of Ness Campsite plans are now being finalised to re-open the Birsay campsite from the 12 August 2020. 

The Community Learning and Development (CLD) service is delighted to be able to offer a new evening class for people who want to know more about staying safe online.

The annual Riding of the Marches is one of many events that have had to be cancelled this year because of the Covid-19 crisis.

Orkney Islands Council has pushed back the reopening of some leisure facilities following the recent changes in guidance from the Scottish Government.

The Board of Orkney Ferries has made a direct appeal to the Scottish Government for emergency funding to offset the damaging impact on the company of the Covid-19 pandemic.