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The family of a young cancer warrior – Jamie Butcher (6) - have been overwhelmed by the generosity of folk in Orkney and elsewhere helping to raise money for the family and a cancer charity, Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly Clic Sargent).

They want to thank you all for the donations to their appeals, but also for the messages of support, offers of help, which is undoubtedly playing a part in carrying them through what can only be described as a nightmare since Jamie’s malignant brain tumour diagnosis in October.

Community leaders from across Orkney have issued a plea to local folk to double down on their efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 – and warned that it’s likely more restrictions will come into force in the coming week.

As the festive season approaches, Orkney Islands Council is reminding the public that bus services run differently from 23 December 2021 to 4 January inclusive 2022. 

Council Curator Ellen Pesci talks about her special links with Scapa Flow Museum, both with the historic Pumphouse where her grandfather worked and with a painting which will be installed in the redeveloped Museum by her father, renowned illustrator and artist Jim Baikie.

Orkney Islands Council is reminding motorists and bus users that road works and road closures will be in place on the main A961 (Kirkwall to St Margarets Hope road) from Monday 13 December, for five days.

Right now is an exciting time to consider a career in early learning and child care, with several positions now being advertised by Orkney Islands Council, at its settings across Mainland Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan has written to Transport Minister Graham Dey to express concerns about the lack of a Stromness to Scrabster ferry service for two weeks in early 2022.

Orkney Islands Council has launched a recruitment drive to strengthen Orkney’s dedicated Care at Home Service.

There is a national shortage of care staff and unfortunately Orkney is no different  - but that is something the Council is hoping to change with your help.

Tucked away in a fairly snug but warm office at the Council’s winter maintenance headquarters at Hatston, you will find a small team who are in charge of getting the gritter drivers to where they need to be.

Orkney Islands Council is advising customers there may be a delay when making payments in person on Monday 13 December as upgrades to OIC’s payments system are carried out.