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Orkney Islands Council is keen to support all contracted suppliers through this difficult time to ensure that they are able either to continue to work with us through the crisis or, where that is not possible, to be in a position to resume normal service delivery when the outbreak is over.

We would firstly like to thank the Orkney public for their understanding and co-operation with the changes in how waste collections and Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) operate as a result of COVID-19, and for all the drawings and comments in support of Orkney’s refuse collection teams. Your thanks and support are truly appreciated, as they keep this essential service running every day.

The long-held aspiration to restore the Hall of Clestrain – birthplace and childhood home of Orcadian Arctic explorer Dr John Rae - moved a step closer this week, with funding secured from the Council’s Community Development Fund towards a feasibility works project.

Orkney Islands Council has established a council loan scheme to assist local businesses experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Orkney Islands Council is encouraging those who are self-employed to go online and check to see if they are eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)  - which opens next week.

The Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group is supporting Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service in urging Orkney communities to stay safe in their homes during the continuing covid-19 pandemic.

Orkney Islands Council Leader, Councillor James Stockan, has described the Scottish Government’s decision to pass £155 million of funding from the UK Government in full to Councils as a ‘significant victory for local government’.

They come from all walks of life but have one thing in common – a willingness to help in whatever way necessary to support Orkney’s most vulnerable people as the nation continues to wage war on the coronavirus.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts to encourage people with non-coronavirus health concerns to seek help as they would have done before the outbreak.

Orkney Islands Council has taken steps to make sure supplies of free dog poo bags are still available for people to use.