A worldwide pandemic, what seems like a never-ending onslaught of bugs, a cost-of-living crisis and a period of industrial action has impacted on children and young people attending at schools across the nation, and Orkney is no different.

Since Covid, schools in the county have seen lower levels of attendance overall – from 95.6% in 2018/19 (just above the Scottish average) to 91% at present – the same as the Scottish average.

There are a number of potential reasons for this – some pupil and parental anxiety following the pandemic period and return to school, an increase in sickness absences following the pandemic, to a much lesser degree the recent industrial action and there will be other more complex factors.

A group of young students from Kirkwall Grammar School are tackling racism head on with a series of planned activities over the coming months.

The Anti-Racism Group – under the guidance of Theo Ogbhemhe, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies teacher – have received funding of just over £4,000 from the Scottish Government to drive forward the anti-racism events. The students will also be fundraising for a further £2,500 to enable them to carry out all that they have planned through non-uniform days, bake sales and a raffle.

Community views are being sought on initial ideas to improve access issues at Birsay village and the Brough of Birsay car park.

Save the date! A special conference for the many unpaid carers in Orkney will take place at the Picky Centre on 18 May 2023.

The Royal rowan sapling has been planted within the gardens of Tankerness House.

Orkney’s Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve did the honours and was ably assisted by the team at the Yard Plant Nursery, who maintain and produce plants for the gardens, and various other grounds.