The Council has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement this week that face masks will still be required to be worn on public transport and most indoor public settings until at least early April.

The legal requirement to wear facemasks had been expected to be dropped on March 21 – but the rising number of COVID cases across Scotland has led to the delay.

With Phase 1 road resurfacing works at Ferry Road roundabout in Stromnessprogressing well, work will switch over to Phase 2 at some point in the morning tomorrow, Thursday 17 March - with a four mile diversion for some drivers.

Orkney Islands Council is advising of road works underway in the county or due to start shortly, and the impacts on public bus services - including works recently started at Ferry Road roundabout in Stromness which involves a 4 mile diversion in Phase 2.

Cattle farmers in the county are celebrating the news that their herds have been declared free of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD).

The office of Scotland’s Chief Vet, Sheila Voas, has confirmed that Government records show the last Orkney animal infected with BVD, was removed on

4 March 2020 – resulting in Orkney being clear of BVD for two years.

The lead up to the 2022 Local Government elections picks up pace this week with the publication of a Notice of Election and the arrival of polling cards on doormats.

Orkney Islands Council’s Interim Chief Executive, John Mundell, is urging the community to complete their census accurately to help build a reliable picture of our community’s needs.

The Commonwealth Flag will be flown from the Kirkwall Town Hall today (March 14) for Commonwealth Day.

If the past two years has proven anything, it’s how our young students are resilient to change.

Orkney’s 6^th year pupils are preparing for their first and last full, sit-down school exams next month.

Despite the best efforts of the teachers and parents supporting them, they have spent their entire senior phase – S4 to S6 – largely in a state of limbo, uncertain of what may happen from one week as a result of the pandemic.

A Firth Primary schoolboy who had 12 inches chopped from his lion-like mane for charity has raised nearly £1,500 - 25 times his original target!

Thorfinn Leonard, 8, is pleased with his new look thanks to Natalie Armstrong at The Peedie Salon and even more delighted with the total so far.

Thorfinn and his family - Mum, Becky, Dad Sweyn, big brother Finlay and Rocco the dog, want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated, adding that there’s still time if you would like to share a few pennies to the cause – the Little Princess Trust. Here’s the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorfinnleonard

Councillors are to be elected for each of the 6 wards of Orkney Islands Council.