Net Zero aspirations set out in yesterday’s Programme for Government speech by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, can only  be achieved if the Scottish Government truly supports the infrastructure and policy changes required – according to Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan.

The return of cruise to our shores in Orkney seems to have created a wave of speculation among some small pockets of our community and even further afield.

While there are many in the county who welcome the industry’s resumption and the benefits that it brings, we acknowledge that there are others who do not wish to see liners calling into Orkney at all, or, at least, not in the numbers which are anticipated in 2022.

The focus of investment in future waste treatment should be on recovering as many recyclable materials as possible, Councillors heard today.

North Ronaldsay joins a very select number of locations around the world in being recognised as an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

Councillors have recommended keeping Cursiter Quarry and St Margaret’s Hope sites open as recycling centres.

Wreaths were laid at the Kirk Green War Memorial outside St Magnus Cathedral on Friday 3 September, as part of a remembrance event to mark Merchant Navy Day.

The Red Ensign was flown at the Royal British Legion in Kirkwall, and, as always, the flag was aloft at the Scapa OIC Harbour Authority Offices as Orkney joined UK-wide events in recognition of the nation's merchant seafarers.

The extension and refurbishment works at St Andrews Primary School continues to move forward with a transformed art room and sections of the new PE hall lifted into place.

Orkney Islands Council is advising Cursiter Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) is will be open as normal from Monday 6 September, following a temporary closure to clear rubbish dumped at the site earlier this week.

Private landlords and letting agents in Orkney are being invited to take part in national research surrounding the private rented tenancy regime and the impacts of Covid-19 emergency legislation.

The researchers at Indigo House Group, based in Edinburgh, say that whether you have one property or 500, they are interested in your views.

As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across Scotland, the Council is reminding school staff and pupils of measures still in place to try and keep everyone safe while back in the classroom.

Staff and secondary pupils are asked to undertake twice-weekly lateral flow tests during term time.