Cheryl Chapman, Destination Development Manager for VisitScotland in Orkney, has taken over from Duncan McLean, proprietor of Kirkness & Gorie as Kirkwall BID’s new interim chair.

Duncan is leaving his role with the BID after more than four years to allow another director to head up the board.

Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to the effect that, in connection with St Magnus Festival, the roads in Kirkwall shown in Column A of the Schedule will be closed and parking not permitted on the dates and between the times shown in Column B of the Schedule. Emergency service vehicles are exempt from the prohibition.

Schedule

From famous TV presenters to celebrity chefs, Orkney is a favourite destination of many.

Why? Well, the islands offer the complete package boasting a rich heritage, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, a thriving food and drink sector, world leading energy innovation and a lifestyle that is second to none!

Orkney is the complete package, boasting a rich heritage, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, thriving food and drink sector, world leading energy innovation and a lifestyle that is second to none!

Scapa Flow Museum has been selected as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023, the world’s largest museum prize.

If you are planning a trip away and driving through Glasgow city centre from 1 June 2023, then you need to be prepared for the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that will be in force.

All vehicles entering the zone must meet the emissions standard or you will face a penalty charge. However, there are exemptions for Blue Badge holders. 

Blue Badge holders can now access the Scottish LEZ Exemption System to register their vehicles for a LEZ exemption.

The recent tenant participation pop-up events in Orkney have been hailed a success by the organisers – Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Orkney Housing Association Ltd (OHAL).

Suzy Boardman from OHAL and Claire Pritchard from the Council hosted a number of the drop-in sessions in Kirkwall and Stromness to promote tenant participation and engagement.

They were delighted with the response.

Orkney Islands Council is advising that applications are now open for assistance towards the cost of supporting young people to continue their studies.

There are two types of grants available through the Council:

One of our teachers has been flying high and making the national news for his unusual commute to work!

Acting Head Teacher at Papa Westray School, Karl Simpson, can often be found making part of the school journey on the world’s shortest scheduled flight – between Papay and Westray. 

At 1.7 miles, the flight can take less than a minute, and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's shortest scheduled flight.

The next stage of the statutory consultation process required for introducing new speed limits in and around Finstown gets underway this week.

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.

In order to introduce these Orkney Islands Council now has to put in place a Traffic Regulation Order - or a TRO - which by law has to be consulted on across three stages

Here’s a round-up of works underway or soon to start around Orkney from Monday 22 May.

Scottish Water are working on the A960 in Toab, traffic will be controlled by traffic lights, with completion expected by the end of this week.

The collapsed culvert on the Harray Road (A986) remains covered by steel plates while replacement options are being investigated.