One of our teachers has been flying high and making the national news for his unusual commute to work!

Acting Head Teacher at Papa Westray School, Karl Simpson, can often be found making part of the school journey on the world’s shortest scheduled flight – between Papay and Westray. 

At 1.7 miles, the flight can take less than a minute, and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's shortest scheduled flight.

The next stage of the statutory consultation process required for introducing new speed limits in and around Finstown gets underway this week.

Following a petition received from the local community in 2021, the Council - after significant debate -  recommended the introduction of new speed limits in and around the village.

In order to introduce these Orkney Islands Council now has to put in place a Traffic Regulation Order - or a TRO - which by law has to be consulted on across three stages

Here’s a round-up of works underway or soon to start around Orkney from Monday 22 May.

Scottish Water are working on the A960 in Toab, traffic will be controlled by traffic lights, with completion expected by the end of this week.

The collapsed culvert on the Harray Road (A986) remains covered by steel plates while replacement options are being investigated.

Orkney’s special friendship with Norway was celebrated on Wednesday (17 May) when the annual Norwegian Constitution Day took place.

Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated in Orkney every year and the longstanding relationship dates back many centuries to when the islands were populated by Norwegians in the late 700s.

In a bid to support folk further, we are planning a drop-in information day focusing on the short-term lets licensing application process.

It will be held at Customer Services in Kirkwall on Tuesday 30 May 2023.

Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022-2024), Joseph Coelho, visited Orkney Library & Archive this week - as part of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ tour from May to August.

On Monday, the award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children’s author met with children from Shapinsay and Stenness Schools.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

The campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It also supports fostering services to highlight the need for more foster carers.

Staff at Aurrida House are taking part in a fancy dress sponsored walk/run at the Picky running track on 10 June from 2-4pm.

They are aiming to raise £500 for the Aurrida House Comfort Fund...

The closing date for applications to our Covid Recovery Fund for Culture is fast approaching.

Boundaries Scotland has begun a public consultation on provisional proposals for new Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries.

The review covers all of Scotland, however the three island groups of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are protected by legislation and will remain unchanged.