From a very young age, we talk to our children about topics that make them aware of safety, such as crossing the road and dealing with strangers. This is relatively simple. But when it comes to sexual abuse, it can feel like a daunting prospect. We may feel worried about destroying their innocence or frightening them, as well as desperately hoping our child will never be at risk of such harm.

But the sad reality is that some children are victims of sexual abuse. Last year, Police Scotland recorded more than 5,000 sexual offences committed against children under the age of 16. So, it is vital, that children know that if anyone should ever attempt to abuse them, they would understand that what was happening was wrong, was not their fault and that they should tell a trusted adult. Yet it can be difficult to know how to get this message across to children in a way that is not scary and is appropriate for their age.

Pupils and staff from Sanday School will be swimming to Ukraine – thanks to the island’s swimming pool – in a bid to raise money for the ongoing humanitarian effort.

Around 60 pupils from P1-S4 will be taking part, alongside members of staff, to raise as much as possible for the DEC Ukraine Appeal. Every penny donated in sponsorship will be donated to the effort.

Principal Teacher, Kristen Muir, said it’s around 2,200 miles to Ukraine so they will be scaling the sponsored swim accordingly and counting all swimming lengths during the school and public sessions.

The 'New Treasures' exhibition at the Orkney Museum opening soon features artefacts donated to the museum during the last year - including a handkerchief signed by some of the survivors from the HMS Royal Oak.

Surfer, sailor, swimmer, sea angler, kayaker, wildlife watcher, beachcomber - if you enjoy marine and coastal recreation adventures, then the Council wants to hear from you!

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme was launched in 2018 and has so far supported 30 Orkney athletes to progress their journey in sport. Applications will open for the 2022-23 cohort of athletes on Friday 25 March.

The grant is aimed at supporting sportspeople across the Highlands & Islands with the costs of attending competitive and training opportunities is open again for applications from Orkney athletes.

Orkney Islands Council is appealing for registered landlords who might be able to provide suitable properties for Ukrainian families to come forward.

Orkney Health and Care is highlighting a national campaign running til the end of March aimed at encouraging people who care for others to seek the support that will help them look after themselves too.

A former Council employee helped a mother and her two small children evacuate war-torn Ukraine.

After around 1,500 miles and a 12 hour wait at the Ukraine Border Control, Ian Ward, his wife Svetlana and the others have made it out of the country.

Ian and his wife are currently in Hamburg in Germany, but he hopes they will be able to make it to the UK soon.

Flagstone repairs in the centre of Stromness are continuing, with the road closures in place on Alfred Street moving towards Mayburn Court next week.

Orkney Islands Council’s Harbour Authority bid a fond farewell to the tug Einar at the weekend (13 March) after 33 years’ service.

She has been sold to a company in Tromsø, Norway and the transfer of ownership will take place in Aberdeen.

The Einar’s sister ship, Erlend, is also on the market and expressions of interest have been made.