News - Leisure and Culture

26 October 2026

Nominations open for the Orkney Sports Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for the Orkney Sports Awards 2026, celebrating the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and teams who have made their mark on sport in Orkney over the past year.

20 October 2026

Pickaquoy Centre Swimming Pool reopening expected towards the end of November

Work to repair and replace systems at The Pickaquoy Centre continues to progress well, and the pool and associated facilities are now expected to reopen towards the end of November, with the timeline dependent on the delivery of the remaining specialist electrical components for the main switch panel.

19 October 2026

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week turns 10 with a free programme of events in Orkney

A free programme of talks, workshops and fitness classes is on offer in Orkney to mark the 10th anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, running from Monday 2 to Friday 6 November.

14 October 2026

Stromness Town Hall Update

Efforts are underway at the Town Hall in Stromness to eradicate rats which have recently found their way into the building. A rat was spotted by a keen-eyed member of cleaning staff last week, with pest control and building inspectors immediately mobilised to tackle and investigate the issue. 

21 September 2026

ATAS Athlete Profile: Eve Wood

14 September 2026

£5,800 funding boost for new portable library kits in Orkney

Orkney Library and Archive has been awarded £5,800 from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government.

14 September 2026

ATAS Athlete Profile: Emily McArthur

Emily McArthur, one of Orkney's leading middle-distance runners, reflects on a decade with OARC, medalling at the Island Games, and her move to the University of Stirling.

25 August 2026

Pickaquoy Swimming Pool reopening set for mid-November

Significant progress continues to be made on the extensive repair and replacement programme at the Pickaquoy Centre, with the facility now expected to reopen in mid-November.

5 August 2026

Papdale East Play Park reaches another major milestone

Orkney Islands Council is pleased to share that the Papdale East Play Park Association has successfully raised the funds required to progress with the next stage of its development, to install a fully inclusive outdoor play area and fitness space.

21 July 2026

Work under way on new spectator stand and dugouts at Kirkwall Grammar School

Work has begun on a new permanent spectator stand and dugouts on the Meadowbank grass pitch at Kirkwall Grammar School.