Latest News

Three archaeological digs in Orkney supported by the Council – Swandro in Rousay, Blomuir tomb in Holm, and The Cairns in South Ronaldsay – have captured slots in popular UK-wide programmes this winter.

The Sanday shipwreck timbers have been named as one of 5 most amazing archaeological finds in Scotland by ‘Dig It!’, a hub for Scottish archaeology coordinated by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has awarded £21,000 to Wessex Archaeology and Dendrochronicle to carry out further research of the Sanday Wreck, an intact section of shipwreck timbers uncovered on Sands o’Erraby earlier this year. The funding will support in-depth analysis of the wreck including dating, reporting and archiving to help shed light on this remarkable discovery. 

Orkney Library & Archive has been awarded £11,000 from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) to create an interactive Orcadian trail of native flora in the library forecourt. 

Simpson & Brown have been appointed to carry out a quinquennial (five year) survey of St Magnus Cathedral. 

An award winning show celebrating disability and diversity has toured four schools in Orkney, in the third year of a Council partnership with Theatre in Schools Scotland - National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project.

Originally founded by forward-thinking women to provide opportunities for learning, finding friends and sharing skills, the Scottish Women’s Institute in Orkney is celebrating its centenary year. 

The distinct heritage of Orkney’s many communities is set to benefit from the expertise of the Council’s Museums team, thanks to almost £100,000 of support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. 

A 50-year friendship borne out of a love of art sees a special reunion taking place with a new joint exhibition at the Orkney Museum. 

The Visual Artists and Craft Makers (VACMA) Award is now open for applications by Orkney artists, with a higher level of grant for experienced artists this year.