Orkney Islands Council has sent a clear warning to the Scottish Government today, to say that they will be entirely opposed to the introduction of Highly Protected Marine Areas in Scotland’s seas.

Improving and adding to the harbour infrastructure in Orkney waters should support substantial economic growth in the county - but the business case for the project must fully stack up for the Orkney community before any final decisions are made by the authority or project funders.

A £400,000 fund has been made available by the Council to assist communities improve their playpark equipment.

The Playpark Renewal Fund, created thanks to Covid-19 recovery funding and managed by the OIC Sport and Leisure service, is now open for applications from eligible organisations.

The one-off recovery fund is geared towards improvement projects within play areas, not for routine maintenance, and those applying will be encouraged to seek external match funding.

The Council’s third new tug - Freyja of Scapa – will be officially named by two young Orkney namesakes at a ceremony at Scapa Pier on 15 May.

Five-year-old Freyja Hazel Seatter, from Orphir, and Freya Evans, 9, Tankerness, have been invited to perform the official duty.

Cheryl Seatter – Freyja’s mum – said the youngster was quite excited when she found out she was going to be naming a boat with the same name as herself!

The needs of community heroes providing vital and voluntary care for folk will be shared by speakers at the Orkney Carers’ Conference in May.

Between them, presenters lined up for the conference have a wealth of personal and professional experience of unpaid carers and the challenges the face each day.

Speakers at the conference include: