The COVID infection rate in Orkney is now the highest in the UK.

Data shows 2,290 cases per 100,000 in the county – considerably higher than our island counterparts of Shetland (1,216) and the Western Isles (1,815) and the national average (1,000).

The widespread community transmission is putting a strain on a number of Council-run services – most notably schools, nurseries, health and care settings but also in areas of sport and leisure and quarries.

A robot capable of spraying foam insulation under floors will be trialled in Orkney on selected homes this month, following a successful funding bid by Orkney Islands Council to undertake it as a special project with the local Warmworks team.

For International Women's Day, we've gathered a few thoughts from Orkney's Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve - the first woman in the role in Orkney - and her recently appointed Vice Lord Lieutenant, Dr Sarah Scarth.

Folk in Orkney are thinking out of the box when it comes to helping others in Ukraine.

Jo Sutherland from Just Dance is holding a quiz night at the Sands Hotel, Burray on Saturday 19 March from 7.30pm. Costing £5 a player, with teams of up to six, you are asked to please book in advance by sending Jo a message via Facebook. There will be homebakes, snacks and a raffle – any donations would be very welcome.

Funds raised will be shared between the Ukraine appeal and the Just Dance London trip.

COVID-related staffing pressures across many of Orkney’s schools and nurseries is continuing to impact on classes and early learning groups.

On Monday, 62 members of staff and 221 young people and children were absent, largely due to being positive themselves or because they are the main carer of a child with a positive result.

The high community transmission rate – Orkney recently recorded 1,000 COVID cases in just two weeks – is likely to have an effect on school kitchens now too.