Latest News

Orkney Islands Council has commissioned a report seeking to establish what a new electricity transmission link to the mainland could mean to the local economy, as the islands seek to recover from the effects of the Covid19 pandemic.

The Leader of Orkney Islands Council has welcomed news of a move to level one restrictions from 17 May – meaning folk will, once again, be able to socialise indoors.

Orkney Islands Council is running a public consultation on its revised Scheme for Community Councils.

The number of votes cast in Orkney for parties and candidates on the Highlands and Islands Regional List has been announced.

Voters have elected Liam McArthur to represent Orkney at the Scottish Parliament.

John W Mundell, Constituency Returning Officer for the Orkney Islands constituency, said: “Voters in Orkney have had the opportunity to vote to elect a Member of the Scottish Parliament and for Members of the Highlands and Islands region.

The ballot boxes are pictured arriving at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall this morning, Friday, ahead of the count for the Scottish Parliament Election.

The Freedom of Orkney has today been bestowed on the Royal Navy Northern Diving Group, in recognition of their long association with commemorating those lost in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak and in keeping the Orkney community safe through the safe disposal of modern and historic ordnance, including torpedoes and mines.

Public toilet facilities in Orkney continue to be targeted by vandals – leading to a warning that further restrictions may be necessary.

Orkney Islands Council and Kirkwall Police are warning of the potential dangers of the “irresponsible” behaviour which saw around 50 road signs in Kirkwall and the East Mainland being turned and obscured from the view of motorists this week.