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The last financial year was a unique one for Orkney Ferries, councillors at today's (9 November) Development and Infrastructure Committee (D&I) heard.

Due to the ongoing reduction in staffing at Papdale Primary School due to COVID-19, classes P7E and P7M will now be closed up to and including Wednesday.

We are aware of parental and public concern within the community in regards to the ongoing COVID situation at Papdale Primary School and some unfortunate speculation circulating on social media. We thought it may be helpful to provide some background and explain some of the reasoning behind why a school remains open and how and when a decision is made on whether to close in full or partially.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils have taken a significant step forward in joint working on the Islands Growth Deal, which aims to draw down £100m in UK and Scottish Government funding over the next decade, and to lever in over £200m in match funding to the islands.

Orkney Islands Council was announced winner of the Community Involvement category at the LGC Awards 2021, for its work with local communities during the pandemic to protect, inform and reassure.

Due to significantly reduced staffing levels and a stretched teaching supply list as a result of COVID-19, there will be a full closure of Papdale Nursery and a partial closure of Papdale Primary from Monday to Wednesday 8-10 November

The number of positive COVID-19 cases amongst children and staff attending Papdale Primary School has risen to 27 (25 pupils and 2 staff) as of Friday 5 November.

Due to a combination of high tides and strong westerly winds, Orkney Islands Council will be deploying the flood defences in St Margaret’s Hope today (Saturday 6 November).

There's been some virtual fireworks at Stromness Primary this week.

Winter is just around the corner, but Orkney Islands Council’s roads team has already been at work preparing for the challenges cold and icy weather can bring for the county’s road network.