News

12 October 2026

'One week on a boat is worth a year on land': young Orcadians complete Ocean Youth Trust voyage

Ten young people from Orkney have spent a week living and working aboard the Alba Venturer, a 70-foot ketch operated by Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, sailing from Greenock between 5 and 10 October.

12 October 2026

Orkney Islands Council pays tribute to Maureen Herdman

It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Maureen Herdman.

9 October 2026

Occasional licence - Kerry Leask - Christmas Fayre - KGS

8 October 2026

The Orkney Islands Council (Kirkwall BID Canopy Lighting) (Temporary Closure) Order 2026

6 October 2026

New audio project brings unheard wartimes stories to life from Orkney's famous natural harbour

Voices from Scapa Flow’ launches on 14 October 2026, marking the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak with powerful, personal accounts from the First and Second World Wars.

2 October 2026

A recipe for success for Orkney’s school catering team

Orkney Islands Council's school catering service has had its Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) Bronze certification renewed for the sixth consecutive year.

2 October 2026

Planning a charity collection in Orkney?

Charities and community groups planning a street or door-to-door collection in Orkney should apply for permission through Orkney Islands Council. This includes any events where the public are being asked to make monetary donations, where collectors have sealed containers.

2 October 2026

AGLOOKA: John Rae, Indigenous Knowledge and the Arctic

The Orkney Museum is delighted to present AGLOOKA: John Rae, Indigenous Knowledge and the Arctic, a new exhibition developed in partnership with the John Rae Society. The exhibition aims to introduce visitors to the Society's work in preserving the legacy of Orkney-born Arctic explorer John Rae while showcasing a remarkable collection of Inuit, First Nations, Métis and Orcadian art and artefacts.

1 October 2026

The Orkney Islands Council (Carters Park Road, Willowburn Road and Willow Road to Thoms Street Footpath, All Kirkwall) (Temporary Closure) Order 2026

Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users while Circet UK, on behalf of Openreach, lay new ducting and construct new access chambers. The Order will be in operation from Thursday 8 October 2026 to Saturday 17 October 2026.

29 September 2026

Improvements still required following Orkney Health and Care payments audit