A lack of staffing due to COVID and other sickness has led to the continued and additional closure of a number of classes within Stromness Primary School tomorrow, Thursday 3 March, and Friday. Eday school is also being impacted.

We are advising motorists of the potential for delays in the coming days on the diversion route currently in place at Old Finstown Road and Zion’s Loan while the main road is closed at Finstown for resurfacing works.

St Andrews School pupils were challenged to come up with some novel ways of reusing waste items for a teddy bear “trashion” show!

The youngsters didn’t disappoint and came up with some very creative ways of recycling materials.

Teacher Fiona Reid said: “Our whole school topic this term is ‘Choose the World you Want’ focussing on – litter, being environmentally responsible, Fairtrade and ethical enterprise.

Orkney Islands Council is urging property owners in flood prone areas of Orkney to take advantage of free Property Flood Resilience (PFR) assessments being provided by the Scottish Flood Forum (SFF) when they visit the county again in April.

Around 8,600 households in Orkney are to benefit from a Scottish Government £150 payment in a bid to help with the rising cost of living.