Orkney Islands Council has determined, in consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (now named NatureScot), that the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan is likely to have significant environmental effects. A Strategic Environmental Assessment is therefore required.

The screening determination, including a statement of reasons, is available to view at Customer Services in the Council Offices and on the Marine Planning page. A copy may be obtained, free of charge, by emailing marine.planning@orkney.gov.uk.  Written requests should be addressed to Development & Marine Planning, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NY.

Orkney is welcoming 2022 with the full complement of 34 brand new fully accessible and low carbon emission buses for its public and school bus services.

In light of the Covid-19 situation, the Scottish Government is asking that young people aged 5-21 who rely on public bus services for essential travel apply for the free bus scheme at this time.

Following a fantastic response to the Orkney Matters – Your Place, Your Future consultation, it’s time to move on to the next stage of virtual community meetings.

Eleven sessions are planned covering all areas of Orkney, kicking off at 7pm on Monday 10 January with Flotta, Graemsay, Hoy and Walls. Community Councils, Development Trusts and other community groups will be invited to participate, and members of the public can attend too. To book a place email communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk with which meeting you would like to attend and your email contact to be used.

Stromness flagstone works will restart on Tuesday 11 January 2022.

Roads staff will be starting on Victoria Street at Argo’s Bakery, working towards Victoria Street/Church Road junction which will mean Victoria Street will be closed from The Pier Bistro to Church Road. The works here are expected to take around one week, weather dependant.