As a young boy, Graham Campbell would stand and watch the boats of varying shapes and sizes come and go from Kirkwall pier; wet, salty air filling his lungs, giving him a lifelong love and respect for the sea.

He watched in awe when the lifeboat was launched, listening in as his elders spoke of those in distress. Despite his youth, Graham knew then that he would like to be one of those brave volunteers heading out to sea to try and help those in peril.

A road worker who helped maintain the highways in almost all areas of Orkney at some point during his 42-year career with the Council has retired.

Stevie Inkster, from Rousay – where he has worked for most of the four plus decades – received an OIC plaque and gifts from colleagues, Roy Foubister, Jim Leask and Billy Allan recently to mark the occasion.

An online ceremony is set to recognise and celebrate sporting excellence in 2022 — after organisers decided to postpone the Orkney Sports Awards.

Heather Taylor began as a relief Home Carer around 15 years ago, becoming contracted two years later and she loves her job.

As you can see here, she put in a bit of extra effort over the festivities when visiting her service users.

Motorists in Kirkwall have been asked to remove their cars from the Ayre Road car park and Kirkwall harbour area as soon as possible this afternoon (3 January) as the Council puts in place flood barriers to protect against poor weather conditions late tonight and into tomorrow.

Moving into your first home is a rite of passage for us all as we reach adulthood – but it’s one that is not without its challenges and overwhelming moments.

Orkney Islands Council is reminding local users of sports and leisure services that some changes will be coming into place at facilities across Orkney (including The Pickaquoy Centre) from December 27th due to recent Government announcements around Covid restrictions.

A number of young Orkney athletes have been showcasing their respective talents, with some national competition successes.

Finlay Scott, Gemma Foulis, Shannon Leslie and Ross Sinclair – who are a mix of Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) and Performance Development Program (PDP) Athletes – have been making a name for themselves in their chosen sports.

Staff at Orkney Health and Care have helped leading children’s charity Action for Children distribute grocery vouchers to 32 vulnerable families and young children in the county ahead of Christmas.

The Action for Children charity contacted the OHAC team advising they had received funds from the Scottish Government’s Winter Wellbeing Fund to distribute to 32 vulnerable young people and families on the Scottish Government’s behalf. This was in the form of vouchers from major supermarkets and electricity top up cards.

The staff at St Rognvald House have been cooking up a festive display to delight – thanks to a generous donation from Cooke Aquaculture Scotland in Orkney of £1,000.

St Rognvald’s Manager Shirley Miller said: “2021 has been another challenging year for staff and residents at St Rognvald House but in true community spirit Cooke Aquaculture Scotland has come up trumps once again.