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Motorbike enthusiast Mark Groat took part in the Rider Refinement training scheme to enhance his motorbike skills  – and would encourage others to give it a go.

There’s no lecturing on riding responsibly, he says – it’s all about getting tips to read the road better, assessing your riding and getting pointers on what to do to keep yourself as safe as possible.

A new scheme has been launched by the Council and partner agencies in Orkney to try and ensure families in the county are receiving all they are entitled to.

“Let’s Talk Money” has been launched by Council Quality Improvement Officer, Wendy Bowen, as she strives to ensure that children do not miss out on achieving and attaining at school as a result of financial strains within the home.

A new chapter began for many young children in Orkney this week as most primary schools welcomed Primary 1s into their classrooms.

The clock is ticking for young people in Orkney to stand up for what they believe in - by standing for election onto Scottish Youth Parliament.

There's still time for people to give their views on the draft development brief for the South End of Stromness - and a huge thank you to all who've taken time already to share their thoughts.

A summing up or road works and closures underway or soon to start in the county:

The “warm, genuine, kind and respectful” support by staff shown to people using the Council’s Care at Home Services and overall leadership have been praised in an inspection report published this week.

The Council is urging folk in Westray to submit comments in relation to options for future recycling services in the island - by the closing date of 28 August.

Orkney Islands Council is now seeking public views on the introduction of new speed limits in and around Finstown.

The consultation period - lasting for four weeks - is the final stage of the statutory consultation process required for introducing new limits. 

Following a petition received from the local community in 2021, the Council - after significant debate - recommended the introduction of new speed limits in and around the village - which has required a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be put in place.

Sunnybrae Housing Support Service continues to benefit from a “culture of continuous improvement” – however staff recruitment and retention remains an issue.

That’s according to Inspectors from the Care Inspectorate who carried out an unannounced visit to the service at Eunson Kloss in Kirkwall during July 2023. Improvements have been made since the May inspection with the leadership having moved from “weak” to “adequate”.