Historical links between Orkney and Norway have been reaffirmed with the digital resigning of the twinning agreement between Orkney and Vestland county.

Parents, carers and young people are being advised of a number of changes to testing, contact tracing and isolation that comes into effect from Sunday 1 May.

Latest advice on the way COVID-19 is being managed by Public Health means that from 1 May a “stay at home” message replaces self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID.

Orkney residents – including young people aged 16 and above - are being urged to use their vote on Thursday 5 May as the county heads to the polls to elect its new Council for the next five years.

The Council’s Interim Chief Executive, John Mundell, is Returning Officer for the Scottish Local Government Elections in Orkney – meaning he holds responsibility for ensuring the election and this Friday’s (6 May) count is one that everyone can have confidence in:

“Our elections team will put in place all the correct procedures and checks to ensure you can carry out your vote efficiently and in privacy, and have it counted.

A private ceremony in the Council Chamber yesterday marked International Workers Memorial Day.

Staff within the Council’s Building Standards department have been playing their part in helping raise some funds towards the creation of The Peedie Retreat – a holiday home for residents affected by cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

Anna and Reuben Johnston are behind the plans and are raising funds to create a retreat at Inganess beach.