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As the mercury drops, Orkney Islands Council is highlighting again the help available for local householders through the Scottish Government’s HEEPS:ABS scheme to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The current web service where users produce the Sustainability label (statement) to submit along with their Completion Certificate is being rebuilt.  This is as a consequence of support for Adobe Flash Player, on which the website relies, no longer being provided from December 2020.

The appearance of the website is being refreshed, however, the functionality and levels of sustainability remain unchanged.  Please note that a new domain name and web address will be provided to the service: www.sustainabilitylabel.gov.scot.

Members of the public wishing to support, or object to, proposals for a six turbine wind farm at Wee Fea in Lyness are being reminded they have until the end of the month (31 January) to do so.

A replacement gritter has arrived on Hoy, and one is en route to Westray, ready to resume road treatments as required following breakdowns earlier this week.

Schools across Orkney will open tomorrow morning (Thursday 7 January) to provide childcare for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met this afternoon (5 January) to discuss yesterday's (4 January) update from the Scottish Government and the current rollout of vaccines to people aged over 80 in Orkney.

Unfortunately, due to vehicle breakdowns over the festive period, Orkney Islands Council gritters on Westray and Hoy are temporarily off the road.

Following the First Minister’s statement yesterday, Orkney Islands Council will fulfil the Scottish Government’s directive to open schools this week for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children – largely in line with the timeline set out to local families and carers before Christmas.

The Reel was a well-established and valued business in Kirkwall, providing a popular café bar alongside a venue for teaching and performance of traditional Orkney music.

Kirkwall’s Marlene Croy has been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for her voluntary service to St Magnus Cathedral and the wider Orkney community.