Orkney councillors have agreed a response to the National Care Service consultation, including the need to work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure the best social care outcomes for Orkney residents.

Elected members approved two responses to the consultation at a Special General Meeting of the Council on Monday (1 November) – the first involved the provision of answers to an extensive survey, and the second, a letter to Kevin Stewart MSP Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care. Both were shaped by feedback and input from a range of key anchor organisations involved in the delivery of health and social care services across Orkneys, their staff, service users and elected members.

From Monday (8 November), flagstone repairs will move onto the section of John Street from below E. Flett’s Butcher shop to The Royal British Legion, with road closed to vehicles for the duration (one week).

Keep updated on conditions and potential Barrier closures at any time by checking the Council’s dedicated 24/7 twitter feed www.twitter.com/oic_roads

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has launched a novel partnership with Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles Councils and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), focussed on identifying how Scottish Government’s Islands Plan can benefit island communities. 

The research will investigate the changing relationship between local authorities and governments in Holyrood and Westminster through the implementation of the plan, with a view to understanding how communities can be empowered and engaged in delivering better outcomes and individual wellbeing. 

The number of positive PCR COVID-19 cases amongst children and staff attending Papdale Primary School has risen to 21 (19 children and 2 staff) as of early afternoon on Thursday 4 November. 

NHS Orkney and the Council can confirm that the number of positive PCR COVID-19 cases amongst children attending Papdale Primary School has risen from five on Tuesday to 12 as of lunchtime on Wednesday 3 November.

A further 23 PCR tests have also been requested at this time.

The next couple of weeks will see works in Hoy and Mainland Orkney, with some bus services affected.

Work started this week on construction of a roadway in Kirkwall’s Bignold Park, a project being managed by Orkney Agricultural Society with financial support from Orkney Islands Council

The Council is issuing a reminder not to handle dead birds, as Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the whole of Great Britain.

The Council is supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service plea for folk to attend organised public Bonfire Night events rather than family displays – with an additional reminder to be Covid-19 safe even though outside.

Those who are choosing to host or attend private garden displays are urged to take care when buying fireworks and reminded that the law in regard to fireworks has changed in Scotland. It is now illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm – extending to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.