With the better weather and more children likely to be walking to school, Orkney Islands Council is reminding all drivers to make sure they know and obey the signals given by school crossing patrol officers (SCPOs) at school crossings.

The reminder also comes following a recent spate of dangerous and inconsiderate driving and behaviour towards SCPOs.

An update on the roadworks taking place in Orkney over the next week

Our Marine Planning team will be visiting Stronsay, Hoy, Sanday and Westray over the next few weeks to discuss the development of the plan.

As well as the public sessions they will also be visiting school pupils to hear their views on our marine environment. 

Looking to learn something new? The Council’s Spring programme of community learning classes starts in May

Courses on offer include Yoga, Yoga and Relaxation, Aromatherapy, Upholstery and Furniture Restoration, Appreciating Orkney’s Wildflowers and Habitats, Appreciating Orkney’s Birds and Environmental Writing for Wellbeing

A very special investiture ceremony was held in St Magnus Cathedral on Tuesday when John Copland was officially made an MBE more than two years after he was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

COVID thwarted plans for John to attend firstly at Buckingham Palace in June, 2020 and then at Windsor Castle in November, 2021 for Royal recognition of his services to agriculture and the rural community in Scotland.

We have watched in disbelief as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the loss of many innocent lives and millions of residents fleeing their homes and seeking safety elsewhere. Many wish to do something practical to help until the time comes for a return to their homeland.

One way to help is through the national resettlement schemes.

Here’s a peedie update on what’s happening with the roadworks

A training exercise involving the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) emergency towing vessel and a local ferry in Scapa Flow has been hailed a success.

Thanks have been extended to the crew and masters of the MCA’s emergency towing vessel IEVOLI BLACK and NorthLink’s MV HAMNAVOE for their role in the operation.

From this Saturday (9 April), the walls of the five-star Pier Arts Centre will be adorned with an array of artwork created in response to the Council’s community-wide consultation, Orkney Matters – Your Place, Your Future.

With external funding, the Orkney Matters team commissioned the Pier Arts Centre to deliver a series of creative workshops for groups within the community and a ‘tool kit’ for schools to be able to contribute to the process.