The Council’s third new tug is on her way to Orkney – a 3,500 nautical mile journey from Turkey that replicates those made by her sister ships, Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa in 2020.

The new 32-metre tug has been built by the same company - Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey - to the same design and specification as the previous two after a competitive tendering exercise.

A reminder our Roads team are out and about carrying out emergency repairs and resurfacing work on the county's roads, including a closure on Cromwell Road with significant impact on the Kirkwall Town bus service, one lane traffic at Norseman village and Harray straits, and road closures in South Ronaldsay and Westray.

Folk in Orkney are being warned to be on the lookout for a series of scams linked with the Government’s energy rebate plans.

The Government has announced measures to help both consumers and businesses with the cost-of-living crisis, particularly with energy costs, which has unfortunately led to scammers trying to mislead the public.

The Orkney Scam Action Group has been made aware of a number of scams targeting local folk by text, phone and email advising that they will receive an energy rebate if they follow the link provided. The links lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

The Council has set up a dedicated web page on the Scottish Government’s new short-term lets licensing regime to try and assist folk through the application process.

The page - www.orkney.gov.uk/slt-licence - contains links to a wealth of information on the Scottish Government legislation, the application process and fees.

After reading the Council’s Guidance you can complete a downloadable form or if you require further information please contact the Short-term Lets Licensing Team at the Council via email or by telephone to 01856873535 extensions 2232 or 2229 and leave a voicemail if officers are not available. An online application form will be ready as soon as possible.

Every early-stage primary school pupil in Orkney is to have the opportunity to access renewable energy education materials following a donation of 30 children’s adventure books on offshore renewable energy by Fred. Olsen-related companies.