News - Leisure and Culture

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.

21 July 2026

Orkney Islands Council builds on Island Games legacy with continued sporting investment

A year on from the Orkney 2025 International Island Games, Orkney Islands Council continues to invest in sport across the county.

15 July 2026

Orkney’s first fully inclusive play park officially opens

Manse Road Play Park is due to re-open today, Wednesday 15 July, after being closed at the end of last year for an extensive development to become Orkney’s first fully inclusive play park.

9 July 2026

Elaine brings fresh ideas from the Faroes

Elaine Harcus, Orkney Islands Council’s Team Leader for Sports and Leisure, is fresh back from a working visit to the Faroe Islands - and she’s brimming with ideas for sports clubs in Orkney.

7 July 2026

Repairs completed at Westray and Stromness swimming pools

Orkney Islands Council is pleased to confirm that repair works have been successfully completed at both Westray and Stromness swimming pools, ahead of the summer holidays.