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The Council’s Animal Welfare team is reiterating national advice for members of the public to not handle dead wild birds, following a confirmed case of Avian Bird Flu in a Skua found in St Mary’s, Holm.

“With a sense of despair – people have asked ‘what can you do?’. I’m a firm believer that there is always something you can do in almost any difficult situation.”

Those are the words of Orkney’s Les Cowan expressing his thoughts on the conflict in Ukraine.

“We cannot stop the war, but we are not helpless to deal with the aftermath,” he continued. “This is the time for people to step up to the mark.

The Council can confirm that the first refugees from Ukraine arrived in Orkney this month through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

The Council’s Head of Community Learning, Leisure and Housing, Frances Troup, said: “The household concerned is being hosted by a family on Mainland Orkney and it’s important that they are given the time and privacy required to be allowed to settle in as best they can.

“We have been in touch with the host to see how we can provide support and we are following that through.”

Orkney Islands Council is making it easier for households to replace their damaged bins, with the introduction of a ‘QR code’ which takes householders straight to an online order form.

Update on road works already underway or starting next week (week starting 23 May), including on Pickaquoy Road in Kirkwall which will also affect public bus services:

An Orkney couple are opening their home and hearts to Ukrainian refugees.

Gill and Mark Tennant, who live in the West Mainland, have offered two bedrooms within their home to those fleeing the conflict.

They have also been in touch with Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) to offer volunteering support in whatever way may be required.

VAO are keen to hear from others who may be able to assist in various supportive roles or anyone who has specialist skills which could be beneficial to refugees from Ukraine or Afghanistan.   

Please get in touch if you are:

• Ukrainian, Russian or Afghanistan. 
• Have lived or worked in Ukraine, Russia or Afghanistan or nearby regions. 
• Can speak Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, Pashto or similar languages. 

Eleven local athletes have been awarded with a special grant supported by Orkney Islands Council, sportscotland and Stagecoach to help sportspeople across the Highlands and Islands access competition and training opportunities.

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme, now in its fifth year after a pause due to COVID-19, is a partnership between sportscotland and the participating local authorities in Scotland - Orkney Islands, Western Isles, Shetland Islands and Highland Councils.

There's been a lot of questions on social media today about the registration of 'honesty boxes' with our Environmental Health Team - here's a bit of clarification on some of the points being raised.

Changes to waste and recycling services over the period celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee: