Stronsay Junior High School has been shortlisted as one of Scotland’s most enterprising schools.

The results will be announced at the Young Enterprise Scotland ‘Festival of Youth Enterprise’. The event runs 30-31 May at Hampden Park, Glasgow with a Marketplace of partner organisations to support young people, and workshops for educators.

The school, which has a roll of 45 from nursery up to S4, embraces some innovative practice and a collaborative way of learning that compliments the island’s remote and rural location.

Work is well underway to address issues raised in a recent safety audit of operations at Orkney’s harbours – but lack of staff to carry out this important work continues to present challenges.

Members at today’s (23 May 2023) meeting of Orkney Islands Council’s Harbours sub-committee heard that a 27 point action plan is being worked through to address the issues raised.

The action plan follows on from a recent Port Marine Safety Code audit, carried out in November last year, which recommended that a number of pieces of work should be carried out by Marine Services in order to improve upon safe practices within Orkney’s piers and harbours.

The Council’s Pupil Engagement Team and Papdale Parent Council are planning a free pop-up event supporting pupils moving up to Kirkwall Grammar School.

They are appealing for anyone with KGS uniform clothes – including hoodies, t-shirts, shirts and ties – pre-worn, nearly new or even unworn, to drop them off at the Papdale Primary School Office during school hours throughout May.

Cheryl Chapman, Destination Development Manager for VisitScotland in Orkney, has taken over from Duncan McLean, proprietor of Kirkness & Gorie as Kirkwall BID’s new interim chair.

Duncan is leaving his role with the BID after more than four years to allow another director to head up the board.

Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to the effect that, in connection with St Magnus Festival, the roads in Kirkwall shown in Column A of the Schedule will be closed and parking not permitted on the dates and between the times shown in Column B of the Schedule. Emergency service vehicles are exempt from the prohibition.

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From famous TV presenters to celebrity chefs, Orkney is a favourite destination of many.

Why? Well, the islands offer the complete package boasting a rich heritage, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, a thriving food and drink sector, world leading energy innovation and a lifestyle that is second to none!

Orkney is the complete package, boasting a rich heritage, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, thriving food and drink sector, world leading energy innovation and a lifestyle that is second to none!

Scapa Flow Museum has been selected as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023, the world’s largest museum prize.

If you are planning a trip away and driving through Glasgow city centre from 1 June 2023, then you need to be prepared for the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that will be in force.

All vehicles entering the zone must meet the emissions standard or you will face a penalty charge. However, there are exemptions for Blue Badge holders. 

Blue Badge holders can now access the Scottish LEZ Exemption System to register their vehicles for a LEZ exemption.

The recent tenant participation pop-up events in Orkney have been hailed a success by the organisers – Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Orkney Housing Association Ltd (OHAL).

Suzy Boardman from OHAL and Claire Pritchard from the Council hosted a number of the drop-in sessions in Kirkwall and Stromness to promote tenant participation and engagement.

They were delighted with the response.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that applications are now open for assistance towards the cost of supporting young people to continue their studies.

There are two types of grants available through the Council: