Kirkwall to Stromness road closure

The stretch of the main Kirkwall-Stromness Road at Tormiston was closed to traffic overnight at the weekend

As part of the recent extensive work along the road from Tormiston towards Barnhouse, the replacement of culverts saw the main road closed from 10pm until 5am on Sunday.

If the work cannot be completed within this time, the road will close again tomorrow night.

Low tides delay new Pentland service sailings

Owner, Andrew Banks, explained that because the ferry Pentalina B is stern-loading at St Margaret's Hope, there is insufficient draft to accommodate the vessel at certain states of the tide. He added that the pier had been dredged two years ago, when he first purchased the vessel, but it had silted up since. He hoped that the problem might rectify itself through time, as the ship's propellers stirred up the waters. If not, Mr Banks said he would have to approach the private pier trust.

Meanwhile, the Pentalina B now has a new skipper. Captain Kenny Bruce, who came out of retirement to see the new short-sea ro-ro service through its first week, has now officially retired, and the master of the vessel with effect from this afternoon is former Dennison Shipping skipper, Captain Robbie Drever.

Stromness Shopping Week under threat

Stromness' annual shopping week gala looks set to be cut short this year with the organisers blaming a lack of cash and interest.

At a meeting of the Shopping Week committee on Wednesday night, it was put forward that the event be restricted to three days, with the opening ceremony taking place on a Thursday.

Western Isles "no threat" in new energy stakes

The chairman of the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum, Dr Jon Side, has countered press reports that the Western Isles will become the energy capital of Europe, by asserting that Orkney will gain that distinction long before their sister island group, because of the existing experiments and research work being carried out here.

Dr Side listed the success of the new generation of wind turbines on Burgar Hill as examples of how Orkney was leading the field in wind power.

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'Walking crimewave' jailed for more than two years

Carl Howley - described as a "one-man walking crimewave," by a sheriff in court this week - has been jailed for 29 months.

The 17-year-old appeared from custody on Wednesday to be re-sentenced on numerous charges after breaching a probation order and also admitted a new complaint, including nine counts of breaking or attempting to break into Kirkwall businesses.

Sheriff J. Craig C. McSherry said he had rarely seen such a bad social inquiry report.

Howley was sentenced individually, but consecutively the periods of detention ran to 29 months.

Once more, the Orkney Library is one of 5,000 organisations around Britain who have teamed up with the BBC to give free "crash courses" on how to use the Internet. This will kick off during Adult Learners Week beginning on May 14, and last for two weeks.

The initiative is designed for those wishing to take their first tentative steps on the Internet. To arrange a free taster session please contact Karen Miller at the Orkney Library on 873166.

The plans to create a £2 million 60-berth marina in Kirkwall and slightly smaller facility in Stromness have already attracted the attention of businesses outside the county, according to Brian Kynoch, chairman of Kirkwall Small Boat Owners Association.

He said one Portsmouth-based company was interested in placing yachts in the marina which would be available for charter to the isles during the summer months.

The owner of the Kirkwall Hotel has admitted bursting into a neighbouring pub armed with a broken pool cue and assaulting two people.

Colin James Low (36), Adelaide, Holm, admitted to invading the Torvhaug Inn in Bridge Street while acting with others, and assaulting Alan Besant striking him on the head to his injury on November 26, last year.

He further admitted assaulting Catherine Stewart, punching her on the face, overturning furniture, breaking glasses, fighting and committing a breach of the peace.

Sentence was deferred on Low for social inquiry and community service reports until June 5.

The A5 colour booklet will give detailed information on all OQFD members and how to obtain their products in Orkney, and will also provide information on all associate members, be they retailers or caterers.

"We want to ensure that all visitors to Orkney know how they can find the best of our local produce, and where they can buy it," said OQFD vice-chairman Bob Nelson.

"By providing this information for self-catering properties, we hope that these guests will eat and drink more Orkney produce during their visit both in their holiday accommodation, and at the premises of our associate members."

Orkney Housing Association exempt from right-to-buy

Housing associations were allowed an exemption if they received charitable status by the beginning of the year - which OHA had not. But the date has now been extended.

MSP Maureen Macmillan said she had pressed Ministers and other MSPs to amend the Bill and ensure the date was extended.

"I am very pleased that Ministers and MSPs have been convinced by the strong case put forward by Orkney Housing Association," she said.

April sees sunshine totals remain above average

Orkney continued to bask in the sunshine last month, as for the sixth month in a row, the sunshine total for April was well above average, and the rainfall well below.

According to Kirkwall Meteorological Office, April saw 164.8 hours of sunshine, as compared to the fifty year average of 139.4 hours. The previous six months have all been well above average.

Orkney is a destination in North Sea Cycle Ride

To mark the launch of the new North Sea Cycle Route, two groups of international cyclists set off on a 6,000 km journey at the weekend that will cover seven countries.

Two groups of cyclists left Hamburg on Saturday bound for Aberdeen - one group travelling south, the other travelling North.

Cyclists on the northern route enter Scotland on June 13, when they arrive in Shetland, thereafter travelling south to Orkney before crossing to the Scottish mainland.

Both groups are expected to arrive in Aberdeen on June 23.

Advice offered on matters armorial

A member of the Heraldry Society of Scotland, who has recently moved to Orkney, is offering advice to Kirkwall Community Council and the Orkney Movement on the unofficial Orkney flag and the Kirkwall coat-of-arms.

In a letter to The Orcadian this week, Sanday resident Dr Stephen Clarkson asked: "Most people do not question the laws governing the registration of motor vehicles, so why are the laws governing armorial bearings and flags prompting so much discussion?"

"If the Orkney Movement or Kirkwall Community Council needs any armorial advice, or would like help in designing an Orkney flag that does not resemble the arms of the Earl of Ulster, I will be happy to oblige."

Archive Story: Orkney's Flag is Irish
Call to return Kirkwall's coat-of-arms

Orkney 'A' victorious in Sevens tournament

At the end of Orkney Rugby Club's annual sevens tournament on Saturday afternoon, the Orkney 'A' team emerged victorious after beating Grangemouth 'A' 21-14.

Plate winners were South Ronaldsay who beat "Bob the Builders", a team made up of employees of Bob Clouston and Raymond Rendall, 22-7.

A total of 17 teams participated in this year's tournament, making it the biggest in the event's history.

Stromness sewage treatment plant plans to be available to public

The plans for a modern sewage treatment plant for Stromness will be available at a public meeting in the town next week.

The new £2.5 million plant, which was announced in NoSWA's spending programme last April, will put an end to the discharge of raw sewage into the sea and could be in place by the end of next year.

Several sites have been examined for the new plant and full details of these will be available at the meeting on Tuesday, May 15, in the Stromness Community Centre at 7.30pm.

Orkney suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Alness Utd at the Pickaquoy Centre on Friday night. Ross Jack headed in from a corner in the fifth minute of extra time.

A cruel blow for the Orkney lads who played very well, and matched their opponents in all departments.

Alness, newly crowned North Caledonian League champions this week, left for Shetland on Saturday morning where they were to face the senior Shetland squad and the under 18 team.

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."

Monday night's football results

Results of the Dick Vat semi-final game on Monday: Stromness 0, Dounby 4

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."