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Work to try to identify and help bring empty properties back into use across Orkney is picking up pace thanks to a growing network of dedicated Empty Homes Officers.

Rachael Batty was appointed to the role of Development and Empty Homes Officer at Orkney Islands Council in May 2021 and is delighted to be part of what she sees as the “opportunity to assist in building a sustainable future for our islands”.

The scale and spectacle of the Royal Navy’s largest base during the World Wars is being brought to life in a new virtual reality display at the Scapa Flow Museum in Orkney.

While many of us are enjoying a few days off during the festive season, spare a thought for those who will be on duty during the 12 days of Christmas, helping make this time special for others on their own, taking care of the vulnerable and ensuring our roads are safe to travel on, to name but a few. From all aspects of caring, whether that be residential, home or social care to the pier masters, tugs crews and ferry workers to the on-call highway officers, roads operatives and garage mechanics, they all play a vital role in making sure the Council’s services continue over the festive period.

While many of us are enjoying a few days off during the festive season, spare a thought for those who will be on duty during the 12 days of Christmas, helping make this time special for others on their own, taking care of the vulnerable and ensuring our roads are safe to travel on, to name but a few. From all aspects of caring, whether that be residential, home or social care to the pier masters, tugs crews and ferry workers to the on-call highway officers, roads operatives and garage mechanics, they all play a vital role in making sure the Council’s services continue over the festive period.

While many of us are enjoying a few days off during the festive season, spare a thought for those who will be on duty during the 12 days of Christmas, helping make this time special for others on their own, taking care of the vulnerable and ensuring our roads are safe to travel on, to name but a few. From all aspects of caring, whether that be residential, home or social care to the pier masters, tugs crews and ferry workers to the on-call highway officers, roads operatives and garage mechanics, they all play a vital role in making sure the Council’s services continue over the festive period.

Orkney Islands Council's Elected Members have today approved funding towards a suite of projects aimed at supporting Orkney's recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having just logged off the very last Council meeting of this year – an online meeting of the Full Council – we felt it the right time to put pen to paper for our traditional Christmas message.

An Orkney couple are celebrating becoming first-time parents to a precious peedie boy they called Ronnie.

Little did they know that they would opt for Orkney’s most popular name for a baby boy in the county.

Granted the numbers are fairly small in Orkney – with Ronnie coming out on top with three. However, there was no clear winner for the girls, with two each for Georgia, Orla and Bella.

OIC has finished road works for 2021 - here is a look ahead to works starting in the new year.

The Willow Tree Nursery will be closed today, Wednesday and tomorrow, Thursday, as a result of all staff having been contact traced.

Parents were notified of the closure on Tuesday evening and advised of the latest Scottish Government guidance in relation to COVID-19 and a reminder to stay vigilant for symptoms of the virus.