The Commonwealth Flag will be flown from the Kirkwall Town Hall today (March 14) for Commonwealth Day.

If the past two years has proven anything, it’s how our young students are resilient to change.

Orkney’s 6^th year pupils are preparing for their first and last full, sit-down school exams next month.

Despite the best efforts of the teachers and parents supporting them, they have spent their entire senior phase – S4 to S6 – largely in a state of limbo, uncertain of what may happen from one week as a result of the pandemic.

A Firth Primary schoolboy who had 12 inches chopped from his lion-like mane for charity has raised nearly £1,500 - 25 times his original target!

Thorfinn Leonard, 8, is pleased with his new look thanks to Natalie Armstrong at The Peedie Salon and even more delighted with the total so far.

Thorfinn and his family - Mum, Becky, Dad Sweyn, big brother Finlay and Rocco the dog, want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated, adding that there’s still time if you would like to share a few pennies to the cause – the Little Princess Trust. Here’s the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorfinnleonard

Councillors are to be elected for each of the 6 wards of Orkney Islands Council.

A tree-planting event will be held at Happy Valley on Saturday 26 March as part of this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.