Additional support planned for the most vulnerable

Following the announcement earlier this afternoon that the Scottish Government has requested all local authorities to take extra steps to support the most vulnerable in our community, Council officers have swung into action this afternoon to get this up and running.

John Mundell, Interim Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, said: “Like all Councils we have emergency plans and business continuity plans and these are now up and running.

“But in recognition of these extraordinary times, we are now working on what extra steps we must take to provide support to those who have now been instructed to self-isolate because of their medical condition.

“We will have more information on how to access this additional support very shortly, and individual contact will also be made with anyone who is affected.”

Mr Mundell added: “On an additional matter, I have also contacted the Scottish Government this afternoon and raised with them the very urgent issue of stopping all non-essential travel to Orkney.

“I am very pleased to see that swift action has been taken and I have been able to confirm that these restrictions are in place on NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries.”