Applications are open for the next free numeracy course in Orkney to be delivered by The Learning Link through Multiply – a new programme aimed at transforming the lives of adults by improving numeracy skills.

 The Numeracy National 4 course is being held on Monday 28 August at The Learning Link, 2 St Rognvald Street, Kirkwall, from 12.30pm-2.30pm and a separate evening class from 7.30pm- 9.30pm. You only need to attend one. Anyone interested in being part of this accredited course can reserve their place by calling (01856) 879200.

Orkney Islands Council is now seeking public views on the introduction of new speed limits in and around Finstown.

The consultation period - lasting for four weeks - is the final stage of the statutory consultation process required for introducing new limits. 

Following a petition received from the local community in 2021, the Council - after significant debate - recommended the introduction of new speed limits in and around the village - which has required a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be put in place.

A training scheme to help reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists is being held in Orkney during September.

The “Rider Refinement North” one day course is run by Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, and will take place in the county on Sunday 17 September.

The course, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland, aims to support motorcyclists to ride responsibly and reduce the number of collisions – saving lives on our roads.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result.

A recent rallying call to action by the Council for local folk to step up to form a Community Council in South Ronaldsay and Burray has seen ten willing candidates put their name forward - meaning a ballot will now take place, with ballot papers due to hit households this week.

Councillors have today (22 August) recommended a booking policy for future visits of cruise ships to the county.