Latest News

Kirkwall’s coastal flood protection barriers will be deployed on 7 October, as part of the Council's routine winter preparations, with impacts on shorefront car parks and pedestrian access.

Local visual artists and craft makers are invited to apply for a VACMA bursary of up to £750 for their creative development, in what is now the ninth round for the scheme in Orkney.

Folk in Orkney are being invited to come on board and visit “Bud” Poppyscotland’s travelling museum during its visit to the county.

Bud will be open to community groups and the public on Friday 30 September from 6pm – 9pm, Sat 1 October and Sun 2 Oct 9am – 4pm at Kirkwall’s Great Western Road car park.

Bud will be visiting schools during week days.

Like many other clubs throughout the county, the Orkney Fencing Club is run entirely by a dwindling handful of volunteers.

To ensure its ongoing success, they are appealing for others to get involved.

Moya Nelson is the backbone of the club and currently has responsibility as chair, armourer and lead coach.

Orkney Islands Council’s Environmental Health Team is reminding all food businesses and producers of the need to make sure they follow food labelling rules.

The reminder coincides with the anniversary of Natasha’s Law on 1 October, which introduced a new legal requirement for anybody selling food to the public to identify the presence of any the 14 mandatory allergens in their food. This followed the tragic death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperpouse from a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds.

The Council's recycling centre at Cursiter Quarry in Finstown will be closed on Wednesday 28 September, reopening on Tuesday 4 October to allow for a clean-up operation following illegal dumping of waste at the site.

Orkney Islands Council is reminding the public that winter opening hours will be in operation from 1 October for all its waste and recycling facilities.

The smiles and squeals of excitement from pupils at Westray Junior High School summed up their delight at the latest donation from Cooke Aquaculture which enabled the purchase of a variety of outdoor play equipment.

Thanks to funding, the school was able to purchase outside Connect 4, Jenga, a four hoop basketball stand, wobble cushions, skipping ropes, netball nets, volleyballs and much more to ensure there’s something to suit all ages.

The Orkney International Science Festival inspired Papdale Primary School pupils to hold their own Science Fair on September 21 and 22.

After exploring and experimenting in class, pupils had the opportunity to host their own stalls to share what they had learned with each other.  Amidst plenty of floating, sinking, firing, spinning, blowing and stamping they were encouraged to ask questions and discover answers about the world around them.  This leads to more questions and answers - and scientists of the future may be born. 

A new campaign launches this week aiming to raise awareness across the county on employee rights.

The campaign entitled 'Did You Know?' is aimed at both employees and employers - and is being run by the Orkney Local Employability Partnership. 

Posters will be on display in public areas and on social media.