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Four rare guns from the decks of WWI warships will soon be back on display at Scapa Flow Museum, following agreement from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to release leftover contingency funds from the Museum’s £4.4m redevelopment towards the move.

We find ourselves fast approaching the end of another year and the joy that the seasonal festivities bring for many.

Whether that be enjoying a well-earned break, getting together with family and friends, reflecting on the year past or looking forward to what lies ahead, we have much to be thankful for here in Orkney.

Arlene Montgomery, Manager at Crossroads Care Orkney, shares her wish for all unpaid carers this Christmas through an original poem entitled 'Caring doesn't stop at Christmas' - recited in her best Westray mother tongue!

Every day, thousands of local folk are selflessly helping others with day to day needs. This army of unsung heroes bring cheer and comfort to vulnerable people in our community. Unpaid carers play a vital role helping people who otherwise would experience greatly diminished quality of life. But caring is demanding, and many carers are unaware they’re entitled to support too. Local woman Sarah Norquoy cares for her mother, Liz, who is living with Dementia. Here, she speaks about what led her seek support from Crossroads Care Orkney community - and what carers really want for Christmas.

Orkney Health and Care has taken the difficult decision to close Older People’s Day Care from 19 December through to 4 January 2023 due to staffing issues.

This affects two Mainland day care centres – Gilbertson and West Mainland.

Orkney Islands Council is to launch two financial support schemes for local households to help them meet the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis

A third scheme will assist Third Sector organisations in the county struggling with rising costs.

They are: Business representatives - Tracey Phillips and Liz Stevenson and Community representatives - Gail Anderson; Lorraine Bichan and Harvey Johnston.

They join reappointed members – Beccy May and Steven Sinclair as business representatives and community representative Beverly Clubley.

The Orkney Museum will close to the public in January to allow the team to carry out a programme of vital behind-the-scenes work.

It’s nearing Christmas, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to reveal the most popular baby names in Orkney!

A roundup of road works underway or soon to start around Orkney to take you through to early in the new year: