The search for a new Chief Executive to lead Orkney Islands Council will begin again after the summer.

Elected Members at this week’s Full Council meeting agreed that a further recruitment exercise be carried out.

Orkney Islands Council has been awarded a Contract for Difference (CfD) for the Quanterness and Hoy elements of Orkney's Community Wind Farm Project

The successful bidders were announced today by the UK Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Being successfully awarded a CfD means that the Council has been offered a guaranteed price for electricity generated over a 15 year timeframe, thereby reducing financial risk.

Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the news that NorthLink Ferries will be providing an extra return sailing from Stromness to Scrabster whilst the MV Alfred is off its Pentland Firth route.

The Hamanvoe will do two extra runs leaving Stromness at 9.15pm and departing Scrabster at 11.30pm from today.

Pentland Ferries had initially hoped to return to their route on July 10, however this has now been extended to July 18 whilst the Alfred goes to dry dock for a further inspection and possible repairs

The Council has launched a recruitment campaign to strengthen Orkney’s dedicated adult care services alongside news of an increase in salaries for Home Care staff.

Crowds gathered outside the St Magnus Cathedral on Saturday witnessed the staged rescue of a casualty trapped in a car, as part of a road safety event aimed at getting people thinking about the causes and ramifications of a serious road accident.

Orkney Islands Council is thanking local drivers and businesses for their patience after what has been a busy period for road works in the county, as the next swathe of works get underway.

Work on an improved community space in Papdale is continuing – with the first phase of the project due to be completed by the end of September.

The Council has introduced a new yellow tag for bins when householders get in a muddle with collections.

Scapa Flow Museum has made an appearance in BBC1 series Who Do You Think You Are, in an epsiode featuring actor Ralf Little.

Section 8(1) Screening Determination

In accordance with Section 8(1) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, Orkney Islands Council has formally determined, in consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (now named NatureScot), that implementation of the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan is likely to have significant environmental effects. Therefore, a Strategic Environmental Assessment is required, and an environmental report will be prepared alongside the Plan.