Latest News

Tributes have been paid to former Councillor Freddie Groundwater who passed away at the weekend.

Freddie was a Councillor from 1996 to 2003, representing communities in the Stromness and Sandwick areas.

Tributes have been paid to former Orkney Lord Lieutenant and Orkney Islands Council Convener George Marwick CVO who sadly passed away on Friday 1 Sept at the age of 91.

George Marwick became a councillor in the first election to Orkney Islands Council, which was held on 7 May 1974 as part of the wider 1974 Scottish regional elections. He held the position of Council Convener from 1974 -1978.

A new scheme to support the local construction industry recruit and sustain suitably skilled employees has got off the ground in Orkney.

Although there were lots of builders in my family, because I was a girl I think, it wasn't really something anyone suggested as a career. 

A reminder of road closures in central Kirkwall coming up, to enable folk to safely enjoy community events.

A summing up of road closures underway or soon to start in the county, due to road works, events and cruise for week starting Saturday 2 September 2023.

A final plea for unpaid carers in the county to take part in a vital survey, as a new Carers Strategy is being finalised.

The Hoy Head service is back up and running after engineers resolved an issue with the propellor earlier today (30 August).

A problem was discovered this morning and three sailings were cancelled. A trial run of the vessel with engineers on board was carried out on the 10.15am run.

Given the issue was resolved, the service is back up and running, however sailings may be affected by delays of up to half an hour while the crew work to recover lost time. Passengers are asked to check in at normal scheduled times.

The Council’s new “Let’s Talk Money” scheme is kicking off with its focus on free school meals and the clothing allowance.

The scheme has been launched by Council Quality Improvement Officer, Wendy Bowen, as she strives to ensure that children do not miss out on achieving and attaining at school as a result of financial strains within the home.

A recent inspection report for Willow Tree Nursery has noted that staff work hard to ensure positive, kind and caring relationships with the children in their care.