It’s hard to believe that we are at this time of year again, but we are reminding folk that the Council’s Waste and Recycling Centres will be moving to the winter opening hours on Friday 1 October 2021 until 30 April 2022.

If you are planning a visit to any of our sites please check when they open and close before setting off.

More than 800 children and young people throughout Orkney have benefited from free activities as part of the Get into Summer national campaign.

Thanks to the efforts of the Council’s Active Schools team, alongside seasonal staff, a range of free fun “come and try” sports and activities were offered over six weeks during the summer holidays.

Children and staff are settling in well at the new Council-run Willow Tree Nursery, with families sharing their positive experiences.

The new facility opened its doors for children from six months to three years last month (August) addressing some of the county’s childcare needs.

Orkney people are being invited to walk through ‘Islands Deal’ proposals for future management of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site (WHS) to help ensure developments strengthen the sense of connection locals have with the wonders left behind by past islanders and protect them for future generations.

 Orkney Islands Council is inviting tenders for much anticipated road surfacing repair works in Finstown.

The Council is seeking tenders to provide the consultancy services to oversee the design and build of a third new tug – Vale of Scapa - for the Orkney Harbour Authority.

In 2020 the Harbour Authority took delivery of two new 32m vessels – Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa - following the award of a successful design and build contract with a shipyard in Turkey. This was undertaken with the assistance and input at all stages from a suitably qualified and experienced contractor, similar to the details contained within the specification on the Public Contracts Scotland website and invitation to quote documentation.

The Council confirmed that there were a small number of positive cases of COVID-19 on board two cruise liners visiting Kirkwall on Monday 20 September.

These included four passengers on board the Marella Explorer 2 at anchor in Kirkwall, and one passenger from the Celebrity Silhouette, which called alongside Hatston Pier.

The Orkney Partnership is asking for the views of families with experience of hardship and disadvantage, through a short survey - families can complete the 'Making Ends Meet' survey online, or in paper form.

Due to operational issues outwith our control, there will be some temporary changes to the Graemsay/North Hoy ferry route from Wednesday 22 September.

How do you fancy being “King of the Road” and playing a vital role within your island community? If you live on the isles, then we may have just the job for you.