Our Roads Operations team are asking you to please drive with caution as temperatures are set to plummet this evening and with rainfall expected on roads sitting at sub-zero temperatures, there’s a higher risk of ice overnight.

The gritter crews are out treating the roads this afternoon, however, with anticipated showers there is a risk that this may wash away some of the salt, leaving areas exposed and prone to freezing.

Orkney Islands Council has appointed two members of staff to Corporate Director roles within the organisation.  Karen Greaves will take on the role of Corporate Director for Strategy, Performance and Business Solutions, whilst Gareth Waterson becomes Corporate Director for Enterprise and Sustainable Regeneration.

Orkney residents with any experience of social care/social work are being invited to join an online event next week to help inform the Care Inspectorate on future scrutiny and quality improvement work.

The Care Inspectorate want to ensure the quality of care in Scotland is of a high standard, but also support services to make changes when improvement is needed.

A series of educational and information drugs misuse sessions got underway in Orkney schools this week – with a frontline police officer delivering a sobering message of the potential dangers.

Pupils, parents and staff listened as the stark reality was outlined by Police Scotland Sergeant Simon Hay who has witnessed first-hand the destruction that can be caused by drug misuse.

New Scapa Road in Kirkwall will be closed between Manse Road and Scapa Court from Monday 7 February 2022 for around two weeks - bus services affected, and changed arrangements for access to the COVID-19 assessment and vaccination centres at the Old Balfour Hospital.