Latest News

You will be aware that COVID-19 has led to challenges in terms of resource and maintenance in some of our facilities – in particular the four swimming pools in the isles.

All pools and leisure facilities in Orkney shut down with the first lockdown in March 2020, and while many facilities have reopened, there has been a number of ongoing issues at the isles swimming pools.

The pools in Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and North Walls are much-loved by their communities – and it’s not just those on the four islands who benefit from the pools, Papay and Eday pupils also learn to swim at the Westray and Sanday pools respectively. It is therefore entirely understandable that there has been a growing level of frustration expressed at facilities not being open or fully open for long periods, therefore we thought it would be helpful to provide an overview of the situation and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Across International Women’s Day today (March 8) we’ve been celebrating some amazing women who are involved with the work of Orkney Islands Council.
One such woman is Meredith McBeth who is our Historic Buildings Conservator. 

The Orkney public will be able to voice their thoughts and concerns about traffic in Finstown when a consultation website opens next week (7 March).

We are continuing to share the efforts to which many local folk and businesses have gone to, to help the people of Ukraine.

Lynn Bartlett is the confectioner behind Odin’s Kitchen, based in Holm, from where she creates her sweet meringue treats in the shape of French macarons.

Like many others, Lynn felt powerless watching the shocking footage of the Russian invasion – and decided there was only one thing for it – a “Macarons for Ukraine” fundraiser.

Many of Orkney’s home bakers are putting their talents to good use – raising funds to support the people of Ukraine.

Julie Colquhoun is behind “Granny’s Box, based in Burray and is known for her tasty homebakes.

She decided to include a tray of cupcakes within the box with funds raised going to the Ukraine appeal – so far, she has raised a mouthwatering £60.

Local folk interested in the proposed West of Orkney Windfarm can find out more by attending a virtual public exhibition on March 21.

In January, a consortium comprising Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, TotalEnergies, and Scottish offshore wind developer RIDG successfully secured rights in the Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind leasing round to develop a 2 GW offshore windfarm around 30km off the west coast of Orkney and around 25km from the north Caithness coast.

Orkney Islands Council is holding two online sessions next week aimed at helping local people interested in standing in the Council elections in May.

Road works will be underway next week in several locations across mainland Orkney, with some road closures and changes to bus services.

From Monday, 7 March, there will be flagstone repairs on Bridge Street and Victoria Street, in Kirkwall, being carried out by Andrew Sinclair Ltd, on behalf of Orkney Islands Council.

This will require sections of the street being closed, at certain times, when the appropriate signs are setup.