Economic spin-offs for Orkney could follow Dounreay decommissioning

The decommissioning of the Dounreay nuclear power station in Caithness could have economic spin-offs for Orkney lasting well into the 21st century.

This is the conclusion of Michael Meighan, Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, who has just written an economic analysis of the project.

Skilled workers looking for work as a result of the downturn in the oil industry may be required, said Mr Meighan, with the market for decommissioning in the UK alone estimated at £600 billion.

"This is an opportunity for all parties to make sure that we get things right first time round," he added. "We need to see the development agencies, the public sector, the private sector and ordinary people directly involved in this process."

Cash boost places traditional music group on firmer footing

The Orkney Traditional Music Group's summer school courses in accordion and fiddle for up to 120 children are placed on a firmer footing and will now go ahead.

In addition, all island communities will have access to a comprehensive outdoor education programme; a week-long theatre workshop for 30 pupils is being run by the Scottish Youth Theatre; up to 800 day places available at the Pickaquoy Centre, Stromness and Dounby Centres and on island centres over the seven-week holiday period and there will be music workshops for 40 children, provided by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland next summer.

Wallace attacks SNP fuel policy

Orkney MSP Jim Wallace has attacked the SNP fuel policy which could end to the availability of red diesel, forcing farmers and fishermen to pay fully taxed rates for their fuel.

Mr Wallace spoke out after an SNP motion called for a "harmonisation of fuel prices with out European competitors". Since most other EU states do not have the equivalent of tax free diesel, SNP success could mean British farmers and fishermen would face soaring fuel bills.

Describing the policy as "ill thought out" and "half baked", Mr Wallace said: "I am sure that our fishermen, who are already suffering from the effects of the rising costs for their red diesel, would be horrified if the SNP succeeded in this aim, and made them pay the fully taxed price for their fuel. Meanwhile farmers, many who are struggling to keep their heads above water, would be sunk by this SNP tax."

Road accident statistics show men most at risk

Male drivers in Orkney are three times more likely to be injured in a road accident - according to the latest figures in the Road Safety Plan for Orkney.

But while the number of male drivers involved in road casualty accidents is dropping, the number involving female drivers in on the increase.

Produced by the OIC, Northern Constabulary and Orkney Health Board, the figures also show that more than 60 per cent of all road casualty accidents are due to poor driving in bad weather.

Police statistics show that 80 per cent of all fatal accidents had an element of alcohol involved, and 80 per cent of all serious or fatal accidents involved excessive speed.

Talks took place between the OIC and the Scottish NFU on Wednesday about the future of livestock shipments from the islands, following the withdrawal of Kirkwall-Invergordon ferry service.

The union's vice president John Kinnaird commented afterwards: "I think we've got a commonality of purpose here, and it's important that that's taken forward and we are all talking from the same book, and we do have this desire and need to get something resolved, but resolved quickly, because we are still playing catch-up as the Contender has already gone."

Following the joint meeting, a letter is being sent to Scottish Transport Minister Sarah Boyack asking for an early meeting with the Scottish NFU and the OIC to further consider the issue.

Successful first day for new Short Sea ro-ro

After her first first commercial trip across the Pentland Firth this morning, the Pentalina B is pictured at Gills Bay, Caithness.(Picture: Orkney Photographic)

Passengers on the maiden voyage of Orkney's new short sea ro-ro ferry, the Pentalina B, enjoyed a smooth crossing in perfect weather conditions on Wednesday morning.

Twelve passengers and five cars boarded at St Margaret's Hope for the one-hour journey to Gill's Bay in Caithness, where several more passengers and a lorry belonging to Caithness haulier Mr John Cormack joined the ship for the return journey.

Pentland Ferries' managing director Andrew Banks said that starting the new service had been a bit of a fight, but that he was delighted to get there.

Passengers aboard the ferry welcomed the new service, praising the short travelling time and convenient timetabling of the service.

Record number of visitors to Orkney Museum

Since visitor numbers began to be recorded in 1982, April 2001 was the busiest April ever, with 1,382 visitors to the museum.

Steve Callaghan, OIC heritage officer, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the response to the hard work we have put into the museum exhibitions. We certainly seem to have tapped into a lot of local interest with both of these projects. "

Islanders dismayed at sale of church with cemetery

St John's Church, Walls, came on the market a few weeks ago and is "open to offers", but the graveyard in which it stands is not for sale.

People were buried in the kirkyard only last year, and some islanders own family plots there.

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Call for return of Kirkwall coat-of-arms

The plaques were erected by Kirkwall Community Council at sites of historical interest, but because they also display the coat of arms - a sailing ship with the motto "Si Deus nobiscum" they are apparently falling foul of the Crown.

The claim comes on the back of revelations that the Orkney Flag cannot be sanctioned for official use in the county either because it has Irish links.

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The Orcadian's discussion forum withdrawn

Editor James Miller said: "Due to the frivolous and potentially damaging behaviour of a small group of users we are left with no choice but to remove the service from our website."

"Unfortunately, a small minority have spoiled it for the vast majority. We've had a number of complaints regarding contributions to the Forum. We'd hoped that good sense would prevail but despite repeated warnings the culprits continued to abuse the public platform offered by the facility."

He added: "We'd like to apologise to serious contributors to the Forum for withdrawing the service. The letters column in The Orcadian newspaper will, of course, remain open to all correspondents."

Record first quarter results for Talisman

Talisman Energy, the operators of the Flotta Oil Terminal, have announced record cash flow and earnings in its first quarter 2001 results. This marks the eighth consecutive quarter Talisman's cash flow has increased.

President Dr Jim Buckee said: "At current price levels, we are on track for about $3 billion in annual cash flow in 2001,"

He added that they should exit the year "in spectacular fashion as the first Canadian company ever to produce 500,000 boe/d, with most of the increase coming from the North Sea."

Orkney fishing boat chartered for fish stocks survey

Working aboard the Kirkwall registered MV Norlantean, staff from FRS Marine Laboratory are collecting information on the ages and numbers of mature haddock in the area.

The information collected will be used to help develop appropriate management measures in the light of the new largely unregulated fishery by foreign vessels which has developed in international waters.

New Westray tourist accommodation officially opened this week

The latest addition to the tourist accommodation in Westray was officially opened on Tuesday evening by the chief executive of Orkney Tourist Board, Gareth Crichton.

The Bis Geos hostel and holiday cottages in the north-west of the island were created by converting the original crofthouse and outbuildings, and is the brainchild of locum GP, Dr Werner Seikmann.

Teenager remanded in custody

Former Orkney resident Carl James Howley was remanded in custody at Kirkwall Sheriff Court on Tuesday after admitting breaking five probation and three community service orders.

Appearing in court on Tuesday morning, Howley admitted the breaches and was refused bail by honorary sheriff Bill Wright.

He is due to reappear in court on Wednesday, May 9, when he will face sentencing by Sheriff J. Craig C. McSherry.

Howley was placed on probation and community service for a string of offences including assault, house breaking, theft, reset and road traffic offences dating back months.

Orkney College principal to retire in November

Mr Scott is retiring in November after spending his latter years developing courses at the college, which is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands project.

He moved to Orkney in 1970, when further education in the county was in its infancy, becoming principal of Orkney College in 1995.

The development of UHI and the new college building had been important milestones in his career, he said.

Mr Scott, who is married with three children, says his last day as college principal will be November 9 after which he will be staying in Orkney. "I will find plenty to do," he added.

Two community projects benefit from Orkney Enterprise grants

Two projects to improve community facilities in Orkney are among the latest community action grant approvals made by Orkney Enterprise.

A new £61,000 play area on Westray has just received approval of £5,000 by the enterprise company. The Westray Development Trust who are behind the project say the play equipment at Pierowall will include childrens' swings, roundabouts and climbing frames, as well as a seating area for adults.

Meanwhile, St Andrews Community Association recently received assistance of £3,430 towards the costs of improving the football and hockey pitches at the local community centre.

Cash will boost summer school activity programmes

Orkney Islands Council's education department has received a National Lottery cash boost to continue and extend outdoor activities.

The grant of £91,094 will allow the department to extend summer school activities and offer a wider range of opportunities in Orkney's 24 schools.

The outdoor activities will include archery, canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, walking and kite flying as well as a variety of sports and music activities.

Congregation considering council kirk offer

The council's provisional offer to buy the East Church in Kirkwall has yet to be accepted by the Congregational Board who are currently considering the details.

The council want to convert the church into a One Stop Shop for housing and social care information, and provisional terms for the purchase of the building and the car park were ratified at last week's full council meeting.

Final approval for the sale is due to be discussed at a Congregational meeting for which a date has yet to be set.

If the go-ahead for the sale is given, council officials are due to report on the costs of fitting out the building at next month's social work and housing committee.

Foot-and-mouth hits Orkney's show season

Orkney's agricultural shows have fallen victim to the foot-and-mouth crisis with all six six agricultural shows having been called off.

At a special meeting of the agricultural societies on Monday night, members of five of the six show committees agreed to cancel their events for this year leaving a yawning gap in the county's summer calendar.

County Show president Mr Alton Copland said this week: "The one way to ensure there was no risk of spreading the disease was to cancel."

New airport car park heralds completion of terminal phase one

The opening of a new car park at the airport heralds the completion of the first phase of the new terminal development and the start of the second.

The car park came into operation from 7am on Tuesday and incorporates 160 bays as well as dedicated pick-up and set-down areas.

However, continual development work on site will see the introduction of a one way traffic system from the new entrance, with the exit remaining as before. Vehicular access to the terminal building will also be limited to service and emergency vehicles, admitted through a manned control point.

Contender crew stranded in Perth

Despite written assurances from Guernsey Ship Management Company - who employed the Contender's staff on behalf of Streamline - the men said on Monday that no money had been transferred into their bank accounts.

"We sailed the ship to Dundee and cleaned it thoroughly before we left. And this is how we are treated. We are disgusted by the whole thing, I can tell you," said bosun Bob Gatt on Monday.

"There are six of us stranded here, trying to get back north. We have been able to get onto a bus to Inverness. We have been told that the money should be through by tomorrow, which is not a lot of good to us, and means we'll only get home tomorrow now."

Stromness man denies assaulting wife

Colin David Wishart (36) of Grieveship Brae, Stromness appeared from custody and was granted bail on condition that he stay away from Grieveship and makes no attempt to contact his wife.

A trial date was set for May 23.

Last ditch efforts to save Contender service fail

Last week's efforts to save Streamline's Invergordon-Kirkwall ferry have failed and the service has ceased.

This followed a confirmation from Transport Minister, Sarah Boyack, that the existing Tariff Rebate Subsidy (TRS) system could not be used to help the Kirkwall-Invergordon financially.

The Contender left Kirkwall at 10am on Sunday and arrived in Dundee early Monday morning.

Although the vessel's crew have been made redundant, a company spokesman said this morning that there was no decision as to the fate of the shore-based staff.

Bomb Disposal team to investigate barrier object

Bomb disposal experts were back in the county on Monday following the discovery of an unidentified object by the fourth barrier on Sunday.

The aluminium object was found by a walker on the Ayre of Cara, a stretch of beach between Burray and South Ronaldsay.

Orkney boys play in Italian tournament

Kevin Pepper and Tom Huggard with team coaches

Kevin Pepper from Graemsay and Tom Huggard of Finstown along with 19 other young rugby players from the Highlands and Islands played for "The Highlanders" in Italy at the weekend.

The boys were selected through the Scottish Hydro-Electric Highland Youth Rugby Initiative led by former Scotland coach and International Nairn MacEwan. Under the initiative Nairn has been travelling around clubs coaching youngsters in some of Scotland's more remote areas.

Wallace welcomes foreshore and seabed discussion paper

Orkney MSP Jim Wallace has welcomed the publication by the Scottish Law Commission of a discussion paper on the Law of the Foreshore and Seabed.

Mr Wallace explained that he asked the Law Commission to look into the complex area of the law of the foreshore and seabed.

He said: "I would hope that all those with an interest in the issue, such as fish farmers, boat owners and harbour and pier operators, will take this opportunity to make their views known. Given the dissatisfaction felt by many with the operation of the current law by the Crown Estate, this is an opportunity for people to make their views known, and for ideas for reform to be put forward."

"The discussion paper is a useful step on the road to a fairer legal basis for the control of the seabed and the foreshore, and I hope that interested Orcadians will take the opportunity it offers, and make their views known."

Tourism businesses sought for Thistle Awards

Gareth Crichton with Peter Lederer, Chairman of the Scottish Tourist Board at the launch of the 2001 Scottish Thistle Awards.

The Awards are open to all types of businesses and are widely recognised as the industry's highest accolade.

Gareth Crichton, Chief Executive of Orkney Tourist Board, said: "Orkney Tourist Board recognise the importance and value of the Scottish Thistle Awards and will once again be urging members to become involved in this year's campaign.

"Last Year, Skaill House won the Small Company Training Award and we hope to see future Orkney entries in 2001."