Orkney Islands Council has launched a recruitment drive to strengthen Orkney’s dedicated Care at Home Service.

There is a national shortage of care staff and unfortunately Orkney is no different  - but that is something the Council is hoping to change with your help.

Tucked away in a fairly snug but warm office at the Council’s winter maintenance headquarters at Hatston, you will find a small team who are in charge of getting the gritter drivers to where they need to be.

Orkney Islands Council is advising customers there may be a delay when making payments in person on Monday 13 December as upgrades to OIC’s payments system are carried out.

The Nordic Sea will make her inaugural journey on the Papay to Westray route tomorrow morning 3 December.

The training and familiarisation of the six crew – two crews of three - has concluded so the vessel will now begin in service on the North o’ the Galt route.

All I want for Christmas is for my family and friends to be happy and healthy.

No-one can realise the true value and meaning of those words until you are in a position whereby that is threatened.

Letters are being sent to all Orkney Islands Council’s council house tenants seeking views on a proposed rent increase for 2022-2023.

The Council is keen to gauge people’s opinions on the proposed rise of 2.6 per cent, particularly during these ongoing additionally challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a grin etched across his face, Dougie Paterson tells of the satisfaction in knowing he is part of a team helping keep the county’s roads safe for others.

A special message for the season from one of Orkney's oldest residents.

The Christmas exhibition at the Orkney Museum - paintings by local artist, Russell Gilmour, who has spent many hours in the cathedral - is sure to warm the soul.

Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board has received an application for occasional licence from Julie Ritch.