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If the rumours are to be believed Orkney is the place to be if you are a celebrity!

First came the cruise liner Celebrity Silhouette on Wednesday, followed on Thursday by the multi-million-pound super yacht, Triple Seven – reportedly carrying movie great Tom Cruise on board.

The Council is advising that due to a provider glitch during the transfer of numbers over to the new OIC telephone system, the normal Homecare Service usual number - 01856 888390 – may be unavailable tonight and into tomorrow.

However, as an interim measure, anyone requiring the service can reach Homecare by dialling 01856 873535 and extension 3241 when you hear the automated greeting. 

All residents in Scotland, including those in Orkney, under the age of 22 will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

Over 2,500 people flocked to the Costa del Kirkwall Broad Street Sands over the past five days – with the event hailed a “sensational summer success”.

Laura Bruce, Manager of Kirkwall BID, said: “Over 2,500 visitors came to enjoy Broad Street Sands, building sandcastles, hunting for Groatie Buckies, and relaxing with friends and family in our deckchairs. 

Orkney Islands Council has welcomed funding worth more than £1.5 million from the Scottish Government to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the county.

Pupils across Orkney are today (Tuesday 10 August) receiving their examination qualification results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and are to be commended following what has been another challenging year.

Students who signed up for the SQA’s text or email results service should have received their results between 8am and 9am today, with results on paper delivered by First Class post throughout the day.

A new phone system is set to go live at Orkney Islands Council later this week.

Up to 360 children in Orkney will be able to benefit from 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare (ELC) from this month (August), with this figure increasing to 460 following the January and April intakes

The first cruise ship to allow its double vaccinated passengers to come ashore independently is calling into Kirkwall this week.

Up to 600 passengers on board Wednesday’s cruise liner – Celebrity Silhouette – which is due to call into Kirkwall will be able to wander freely and enjoy what Orkney has to offer, whether that be the visitor sites or the local shops and businesses.

St Andrews Primary School pupil Layla Kirkness – the fourth generation and future of the Hools Shetland Pony Stud in Orkney - has been continuing her passion for ponies during the summer holidays.

Most recently, Layla, who turns 9 on 17 August – her first day back at school and into P5 – made a 1,000-mile round trip to compete for the first time at the Great Yorkshire Show.