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Orkney Islands Council’s Political Leader James Stockan has today (17 September) welcomed the findings of a UK Government inquiry into the current grid charging system.

We are now well into the new academic year, and I have been delighted to see reports of children and pupils returning filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the year ahead. I hope that is reflective of the experience in your own household.

At this stage, I wanted to write to you so that I can help explain how cases of Covid-19 in childcare settings and schools are being managed, and how information that has been gathered since the start of term is helping to inform what arrangements need to be in place going forward.

Eight local athletes have been awarded with a special grant supported by sportscotland to help sportspeople in regional and rural Scotland access competitive and training opportunities.

Orkney Islands Councillors observed a minute’s silence at today’s Special General Meeting in memory of George Stevenson, one of Orkney Islands Council’s first Councillors, who passed away in August.

Extensive upgrading work plans for the Longhope Lifeboat Museum moved a step closer this week after Councillors agreed to provide a grant of up to £100,000 towards the project costs from the Council’s Community Development Fund.

The Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust’s preservation plans for the Museum building and exhibits will cost around £288,000. The Trust plans to contribute around £48,000 of its own resources and they await the outcome of match funding applications.

After the disappointment of cancelled events in 2020 due to the pandemic, many turned out at the Kirk Green on Sunday 12 September to witness the return of the historic and ceremonial Riding of the Marches.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer welcomed back those on horseback and the crowds who had gathered to watch the annual custom.

With schools having been back for nearly four weeks, I want to commend the care, commitment and courage shown by everyone in playing their part in keeping our communities safe.

The number of cases of COVID-19 across Orkney have been rising of late and have affected a small proportion of adults and young people who attend at some of our schools.

Orkney Islands Council resolved today to fund the full cost of constructing a roadway in Bignold Park to enable year-round use by the community.

Orkney Islands Council is set to start holding some of its meetings in public again from 1 October, following consideration of the issue at today’s Special General meeting.

Orkney Islands Council will be writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care seeking confirmation that a full island communities impact assessment will be undertaken with regards to National Care Service proposals.