Latest News

This year there has been concerns raised nationally around the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in school buildings - leading to the closure of certain schools across the country. There has been significant press coverage nationally on this and we thought it would be useful to set out the position in Orkney – and provide some information about RAAC.

Volunteer for Children's Hearings Scotland and make a difference to young lives in Orkney.

The Council has reiterated its commitment to helping council tenants tackle the challenge of damp, condensation and mould in their homes with councillors backing a new policy to address the issue.

Orkney Islands Council is calling on members of the local community and visitors to help shine the spotlight on OIC employees or teams who have made a difference. 

Local people – including social care residents, school pupils, museum and library visitors, friends, family and employees – are all encouraged to nominate their VIPs for the new VIP Awards scheme. 

Tributes have been paid to former Councillor Freddie Groundwater who passed away at the weekend.

Freddie was a Councillor from 1996 to 2003, representing communities in the Stromness and Sandwick areas.

Tributes have been paid to former Orkney Lord Lieutenant and Orkney Islands Council Convener George Marwick CVO who sadly passed away on Friday 1 Sept at the age of 91.

George Marwick became a councillor in the first election to Orkney Islands Council, which was held on 7 May 1974 as part of the wider 1974 Scottish regional elections. He held the position of Council Convener from 1974 -1978.

A new scheme to support the local construction industry recruit and sustain suitably skilled employees has got off the ground in Orkney.

Although there were lots of builders in my family, because I was a girl I think, it wasn't really something anyone suggested as a career. 

A reminder of road closures in central Kirkwall coming up, to enable folk to safely enjoy community events.

A summing up of road closures underway or soon to start in the county, due to road works, events and cruise for week starting Saturday 2 September 2023.