Latest News

Crew members on board the Golden Mariana have been commended for their swift response to a yacht in difficulty off Pierowall on Saturday morning.

Thanks to the quick actions of Skipper Christopher Davidson and Able Seaman Adam Tulloch, two yachtsmen and their Glasgow-registered vessel were freed and safely towed to Pierowall.

The Council is reminding operators of temporary and holiday accommodation that its consultation on short term lets licensing ends on 7 August, and has published an FAQ.

Low water levels in areas of Scotland have led to water scarcity reports in some areas.  Most of the east coast is now at “Alert or ‘amber’ moderate scarcity” due to an extended period of low river levels and dry weather and due to lowering water tables, Orkney has been raised to “early warning”.

The advice from Scottish Water is for folk to use their water supplies wisely, so Orkney Islands Council is reminding owners of private water supplies (PWS) to do the same and report any concerns they have about water levels or quality to OIC’s Environmental Health team.

The Council’s Environmental Health team are advising that John West have issued a precautionary recall notice on tins of their sardines due to a suspected microbiological contamination risk.

The product details are:

• John West boneless sardines in sunflower oil 95g, best before end of December 2026, batch codes 109, 110, 111, 112, 113.
• John West sardines in olive oil 120g, best before end of December 2026, batch codes 109, 110, 111, 112, 113.

An updates on road works to be mindful of this next week.

Refurbishment works are due to get underway to further enhance our Orkney Library and Archive building in Kirkwall from 1 August.

The Council Cancer Challenge has raised over £11,000 for Cancer Research UK at the half-way point – more than double the original target - and donations continue to pour in.

Advice issued today from NatureScot is for public landings to stop on 23 Scottish islands, including islands in Orkney, to help limit the spread of avian flu and give seabirds the best possible chance to survive and recover from the current severe outbreak.

Families are being urged to take advantage of a special free drop-in clinic next Thursday where you can have an expert check your child’s car seat set-up.

A leak has been discovered in the hull of the Earl Thorfinn today Wednesday (20 July) - as a precaution the vessel is currently waiting at Westray pier while divers are arranged to take a look.