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Latest News

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  • Temporary Closure of part of Scapa Bay Road, St Ola (B9053) for Orkney Rowing Club Event

    Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users while the Orkney Rowing Club hold an event.

    The order will be in operation on Saturday 17 June 2023 between the hours of 07:45 and 19:30, and the effect of the Order will be to close Scapa Bay Road (B9053), St Ola, from its junction with the B9148 to the access to Scapa Haven, St Ola, between the hours stated. Traffic signs will be erected to indicate when the road is closed.

    25 May 2023

  • Temporary Closure of Roads in Kirkwall for Saint Magnus Marathon Event

    Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users during the Saint Magnus Marathon event.

    The order will be in operation on Sunday 2 July 2023 between the hours of 7.30am and 11am and its effect will be to close (1) Albert Street, Kirkwall; (2) Bridge Street, Kirkwall; (3) Broad Street, Kirkwall (from Albert Street to Palace Road); and (4) Castle Street, Kirkwall (from car park exit to Broad Street). Traffic signs will be erected to indicate when a road is closed.

    25 May 2023

  • Temporary Closure of Roads in Finstown for Firth Gala Day Fancy Dress Parade

    Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to the effect that, between the hours of 19:15 and 20:30 on Saturday 17 June 2023, in connection with the Firth Gala Day Fancy Dress Parade, vehicular traffic using the roads specified in the Schedule hereto will be subject to delays and a speed restriction, and parking in these roads will not be permitted.

    25 May 2023

  • Temporary Closure of Roads in Kirkwall for St Magnus Festival 2023

    Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to the effect that, in connection with St Magnus Festival, the roads in Kirkwall shown in Column A of the Schedule will be closed and parking not permitted on the dates and between the times shown in Column B of the Schedule. Emergency service vehicles are exempt from the prohibition.

    Schedule

    23 May 2023

  • Roadworks round-up Monday 15 May

    We have a round-up of works underway or soon to start around Orkney from Monday 15 May 2023.

    Scottish Water are working on the A960 in Toab, under traffic lights for the duration of the work.

    The collapsed culvert on the Harray Road (A986) is remains covered by steel plates while replacement options are investigated. Further information will be provided in due course.

    12 May 2023

  • Consultation launched over 20mph speed limit at isles’ schools

    The Council has launched a public consultation on a proposed new variable 20mph speed limit at Orkney’s island schools.

    This would bring them into line with Mainland schools which already have these in place.

    The draft order – under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 – proposes to create a variable 20mph speed limit on sections of the following roads outside the schools:

    20 April 2023

  • The Orkney Islands Council (Footpath Wellington Street to Pickaquoy Loan, Kirkwall) (Temporary Closure) Order 2023

    Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to ensure the safety of site personnel and footpath / cycle path users while works are carried out associated with the installation of streetlighting along the footway.

    9 March 2023

  • Schools across Orkney to close early – Tuesday 7 March

    Due to the ongoing wintry conditions, most schools across Orkney are to close early.

    Schools are contacting parents directly to ask for children to be collected where that’s preferred and possible from now. Stagecoach have also advised that they are planning to run the school buses at the earlier time of 2pm today. This will be on priority main roads (class A) only.

    7 March 2023

  • Eynhallow update

    The Orkney Ferries fleet – supported by charters – are working together to ensure a service continues to all islands following the Eynhallow’s engine troubles. 

    The vessel, which serves Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, suffered a seized engine on Monday this week and is undergoing repairs locally. The Eynhallow will resume service as soon as possible and updates will be provided.

     

    14 December 2022

  • Food business register to be refreshed

    Support continues to be provided to businesses in Orkney who offer, sell or provide food to help ensure their details registered with the Council are up to date.

    The Environmental Health team are refreshing the food business register and, as such, will be in touch with many businesses who deal with food on their premises.

    Letters and questionnaires will be sent out in batches and first to receive them will be childminders.

    7 December 2022