Please find confirmation of the Council Public Holidays dates for 2024/25 and a reminder for everyone to plan to ensure annual leave is taken by end of leave year and where necessary arrangements for approval of exceptional carry forward.

With the onset of winter over the last couple of months, weather conditions have presented us with some significant challenges in providing our services – including travel cancellations, the closure of the Churchill Barriers or slippy road conditions.

Are you looking to expand your skillset, learn something new or even pursue an existing passion? UHI are offering Orkney Islands Council staff an opportunity to enrol in fully-funded undergraduate study options. 

For those who will be working over the break, continuing to support and protect our communities, I give my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. I hope that you too can find some time to enjoy the festivities alongside colleagues and service users.

Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your families for 2024!

Over the past few months, employees, customers, and communities have been nominating colleagues across the three categories below. Our VIP Selection Panel have been reviewing these nominations and have selected the following finalists for each category in this round