Latest News

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coca-Cola has issued a recall on a limited number of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar multipacks with Christmas cardboard. Some packs have been wrongly boxed and may contain Coca-Cola Original taste.

This may pose a risk to certain consumers.

Pack size: Multipack of 24 x 330ml cans

Batch code: 301WA1, 302WA1, 303WA1, 304WA1, 305WA5, 306WA5, 307WA5 and 308WA5

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a risk statement regarding the recall.

This explained that there is a "potential risk to consumers who need to manage their sugar intake".

The FSA stated: "Coca-Cola is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

"These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."

Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under Section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users during the Remembrance Day service and wreath laying ceremony in Broad Street, Kirkwall.

Directions for the registration service

In accordance with sections 14(1A)(b) and 23(1A)(b) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965 (as amended by the Coronavirus
(Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022), and with the approval of the Registrar General, the District Registrar for the registration district of Orkney Islands
directs as follows, with effect from 24 September 2022.

All non-essential Council services and Council buildings – including schools and nurseries - will be closed on Monday 19 September for the national bank holiday for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.

This will also mean a revised waste collection timetable – further details below - and no leisure and culture facilities.

Essential services, such as 24/7 care and some harbour operations, will continue, although the Harbour Office at Scapa will be closed. Day Centres will also close, this includes - West Mainland Day Centre; Gilbertson Day Centre; Lifestyle Service; St Colm’s and Kalisgarth day service.

A local ceremony to proclaim King Charles III will take place outside St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall on Sunday 11 September at 2.00pm.

Following the sad death of the Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon, her eldest son Charles becomes the new monarch, but that needs to be formalised through what is known as the Proclamation.