Links between Orkney and Norway were further sealed last week with the reaffirmation of the friendship agreement between the county and Vestland.

The long-standing twinning arrangement has been in place since 1983 – 40 years in 2023 - initially with Hordaland and the formal agreement was reaffirmed by Vestland County Council. The County of Vestland which was created in 2020 when the former counties of Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane merged.

Those are the words of some of the many young people who enjoy an array of free Friday afternoon activities in Kirkwall and Stromness.

An earlier trial led by the Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) Team proved to be a success and now the free activities at the Picky Centre and the Stromness Community Centre (in partnership with Action for Children) will be continuing right up until the summer holidays. The offer is also being opened up further to all young people aged 12-18 whether home schooled, at school, college or working.

After more than 30 years making a difference to the lives of young people throughout Orkney, the Council’s Maureen Herdman has decided to pass the baton on to someone else.

Her last working day as a Youth and Family Learning Worker was – April 1 – and unfortunately, it’s no April Fool’s Day joke, she really is retiring.

As the better weather approaches, Orkney’s Road Safety Forum is urging drivers to show consideration towards horse riders, by passing wide and slow.

The Highway Code, which was updated in January this year, sets out that drivers should not exceed 10mph when passing horses and their riders, and to not accelerate suddenly or rev your engine until well past the animal.

Drivers should also maintain at least 2m distance when passing.

 

Eileen Fraser is hanging up her apron as a school cook having served up tasty food to primary children in Firth for the past 31 years.

Eileen is one of many dedicated school catering staff across Orkney who provide an essential service to our children and young people – fuelling their future through food!

She has been serving up meals to several generations at the old and new Firth Schools.