Pupils and staff from Sanday School will be swimming to Ukraine – thanks to the island’s swimming pool – in a bid to raise money for the ongoing humanitarian effort.

Around 60 pupils from P1-S4 will be taking part, alongside members of staff, to raise as much as possible for the DEC Ukraine Appeal. Every penny donated in sponsorship will be donated to the effort.

Principal Teacher, Kristen Muir, said it’s around 2,200 miles to Ukraine so they will be scaling the sponsored swim accordingly and counting all swimming lengths during the school and public sessions.

The 'New Treasures' exhibition at the Orkney Museum opening soon features artefacts donated to the museum during the last year - including a handkerchief signed by some of the survivors from the HMS Royal Oak.

Surfer, sailor, swimmer, sea angler, kayaker, wildlife watcher, beachcomber - if you enjoy marine and coastal recreation adventures, then the Council wants to hear from you!

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme was launched in 2018 and has so far supported 30 Orkney athletes to progress their journey in sport. Applications will open for the 2022-23 cohort of athletes on Friday 25 March.

The grant is aimed at supporting sportspeople across the Highlands & Islands with the costs of attending competitive and training opportunities is open again for applications from Orkney athletes.

Orkney Islands Council is appealing for registered landlords who might be able to provide suitable properties for Ukrainian families to come forward.