Latest News

A set of dowsing rods and the fantastic archaeological surroundings at Brodgar were the inspiration behind an art exhibition to take place at Orkney Museum this summer.

Local artist Samantha Gray is presenting her works under the title ‘Dowsing at Brodgar’ from June to September in Room 1 at the museum on Broad Street in Kirkwall. It was particularly important to Samantha to display her work there, partly due to her inspiration, and also as she is a Visitor Assistant at the museum during the summer.

An application will come forward to Orkney Islands Council’s Planning Committee this next week for changes to the A961 road between Kirkwall and St Mary's in Holm.

The application will allow for a right hand turn lane for potential future use of the Deepdale area as a deep water quay facility, similar to the one that serves Hatston Pier from Grainshore Road in Kirkwall

Any future deep water quay and the access road down to the site would be the subject of separate planning applications.

Council Leader James Stockan has described the recent Islands Forum meeting as ‘incredibly useful’ - highlighting in particular his discussions with Michael Gove - Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities  -  around potential funding streams for Orkney’s internal ferry service.

Representatives of ten island groups attended the forum in the Isle of Wight last week.

This was the second meeting of the forum – with the inaugural meeting having taken place in Orkney in September last year.

Transport Scotland’s Mobility and Scrappage Fund is open to new applications from eligible households in Orkney.

Administered by Energy Saving Trust, up to £3,000 is available to eligible applicants for the disposal of their older vehicles and to encourage the switch towards active or shared travel options.

Applicants will receive a £2,000 grant upon the disposal of their vehicle at a SEPA authorised treatment facility and provision of a verifiable Certificate of Destruction. Orkney Aggregates are named as the local contact.

Applications are open for the first free numeracy course in Orkney to be delivered by The Learning Link through Multiply – a new programme aimed at transforming the lives of adults by improving numeracy skills.

The Numeracy National 4 course starts on Monday 12 June at The Learning Link, 2 St Rognvald Street, Kirkwall, and runs over eight sessions until 31 July on Mondays from 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and the National Museum of the Royal Navy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share experience and expertise in developing the awareness and understanding of naval heritage.

A summing up of road works underway or coming up - including works on Churchill Barrier 1 and ongoing works on the road to the St Margarets Hope pier, and on the main road through Finstown.

Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users while the Orkney Rowing Club hold an event.

The order will be in operation on Saturday 17 June 2023 between the hours of 07:45 and 19:30, and the effect of the Order will be to close Scapa Bay Road (B9053), St Ola, from its junction with the B9148 to the access to Scapa Haven, St Ola, between the hours stated. Traffic signs will be erected to indicate when the road is closed.

Notice is hereby given that Orkney Islands Council has made an order in terms of section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users during the Saint Magnus Marathon event.

The order will be in operation on Sunday 2 July 2023 between the hours of 7.30am and 11am and its effect will be to close (1) Albert Street, Kirkwall; (2) Bridge Street, Kirkwall; (3) Broad Street, Kirkwall (from Albert Street to Palace Road); and (4) Castle Street, Kirkwall (from car park exit to Broad Street). Traffic signs will be erected to indicate when a road is closed.

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, between the hours of 19:15 and 20:30 on Saturday 17 June 2023, in connection with the Firth Gala Day Fancy Dress Parade, vehicular traffic using the roads specified in the Schedule hereto will be subject to delays and a speed restriction, and parking in these roads will not be permitted.