Latest News

The Orkney public will be able to voice their thoughts and concerns about traffic in Finstown when a consultation website opens next week (7 March).

We are continuing to share the efforts to which many local folk and businesses have gone to, to help the people of Ukraine.

Lynn Bartlett is the confectioner behind Odin’s Kitchen, based in Holm, from where she creates her sweet meringue treats in the shape of French macarons.

Like many others, Lynn felt powerless watching the shocking footage of the Russian invasion – and decided there was only one thing for it – a “Macarons for Ukraine” fundraiser.

Many of Orkney’s home bakers are putting their talents to good use – raising funds to support the people of Ukraine.

Julie Colquhoun is behind “Granny’s Box, based in Burray and is known for her tasty homebakes.

She decided to include a tray of cupcakes within the box with funds raised going to the Ukraine appeal – so far, she has raised a mouthwatering £60.

Local folk interested in the proposed West of Orkney Windfarm can find out more by attending a virtual public exhibition on March 21.

In January, a consortium comprising Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, TotalEnergies, and Scottish offshore wind developer RIDG successfully secured rights in the Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind leasing round to develop a 2 GW offshore windfarm around 30km off the west coast of Orkney and around 25km from the north Caithness coast.

Orkney Islands Council is holding two online sessions next week aimed at helping local people interested in standing in the Council elections in May.

Road works will be underway next week in several locations across mainland Orkney, with some road closures and changes to bus services.

From Monday, 7 March, there will be flagstone repairs on Bridge Street and Victoria Street, in Kirkwall, being carried out by Andrew Sinclair Ltd, on behalf of Orkney Islands Council.

This will require sections of the street being closed, at certain times, when the appropriate signs are setup.

Aurrida House will be in the Blue Door next week ( Monday 7 March) raising funds for the children and young people’s comfort fund.

The fund enables the purchase of sensory toys and specialist equipment for those children and young people with additional support needs who attend at the respite care facility in Kirkwall.

In response to the community’s desire to do something to help the people of Ukraine, the Blue Door will be opening tomorrow, Sunday.

Head along to the charity on Kirkwall’s Victoria Street between 10am-5pm and all money raised will be going directly to the UNICEF Appeal working tirelessly to help and support children and their families affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The dove carrying an olive branch is the symbol of peace – so this was the perfect choice for an Orkney crafter standing with Ukraine.

Sarah Laughton, who runs a small business called Hestacraft making gifts from wire and wool, wanted to put her talents to practical use and raise funds for a Ukranian charity.