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Latest News

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  • Exhibition will celebrate the maritime heritage of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre

    An exhibition showcasing the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Triptych - a community project which celebrates the maritime heritage of these three islands – is being held on Rousay and Dounby next week (23-24 February).

    This will be the only chance to see the triptych – three new pieces of art by Orkney-based textile and print artist Ceri Biddle - before it is split between the three island ferry waiting rooms to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

    20 February 2023

  • OIC Welcomes Progress on Local Development Plan Guidance as NPF4 Adopted

    Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the adoption of the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework this week.

    17 February 2023

  • Road works update for week starting 20 February 2023

    A roundup of road works underway or soon to start in the county, including impacts on public bus services:

    17 February 2023

  • Shapinsay wheelie bin reminder - tell us what bins you need

    Shapinsay residents are being reminded to advise the Council how many wheelie bins they want delivered to their address, by Friday 24 February.

    17 February 2023

  • Wave of interest in Orkney’s cruise offer

    The smooth running of Orkney’s cruise industry is seen as a “beacon of success” by other UK ports who strive to reach the high standards set in the county.

    As a result of the successful partnership working by Orkney Harbours, Meet and Greet, shore excursions and shuttle bus teams, tourist attractions and local shops, alongside the fantastic Orkney offer and friendly welcome, Kirkwall is often named “top of the stops” in northern Europe by cruise liner passengers.

    16 February 2023

  • Credit where it’s due! Council’s Trading Standards Team prevent folk losing £120,000 through scams

    The Council’s Trading Standards Team may be small in number – but they are packing a mighty punch when it comes to helping the public.

    They were able to get £110,000 returned to someone who had been scammed of their life savings and prevented another losing £7,500 thanks to advice provided on an advertising scam. A number of energy supplier issues were resolved and refunds made.

    16 February 2023

  • Community ideas sought for Finstown and St Margaret's Hope improvements

    St Margaret's Hope and Finstown are cracking places for locals and visitors alike - but are there any changes that could make them even better?

    16 February 2023

  • New Employability Hub to provide key base to support people on their employment journey

    “We have been involved in shaping the hub from the start, that makes us feel powerful” – supported planning group

    A new space in town – known as The Hub – for Learning, Skills and Work – will provide a key base in Orkney to further enhance partnership working to support local people into employment and other positive routes.

    15 February 2023

  • The Hub To Host First Employer Event

    Recruitment and retention support to help Orkney employers

    Employers and managers from businesses across Orkney are being invited to attend an event designed to help them with local recruitment and retention issues.

    Organised by the Local Employment Partnership (LEP), the drop-in session will take place between 12-2pm on Wednesday 1 March, and is the first major event in the new Kirkwall facility called The Hub for Learning, Skills and Work.

    15 February 2023

  • Another £600k awarded to OIC for warmer homes

    Orkney Islands Council has been awarded another £600k by the Scottish Government to help more households with energy efficiency works.

    The boost brings the county’s share of the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) up to £2.1m for 2022-23.

    15 February 2023