Woman faces armed attack in Costa Rica - full story online

Pier improvements recommended but no ro-ro for Papay or North Ronaldsay

Although it is being recommended that the North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray piers be improved, they won't be upgraded to allow a roll-on roll-off service.

Members of Orkney Islands Council’s transportation and infrastructure committee will hear next monday that North Ronaldsay’s pier could be extended to offer more shelter for ships to berth, and that a high speed crane could be fitted to one of the ferries to assist loading and unloading.

If approved, the harbour improvements will be phased over more than one year.

Relationship problems blamed for homelessness figures high

Relationship breakdowns caused by domestic violence and alcohol abuse have been blamed for a surge in homelessness in Orkney.

The grim story was recounted by OIC assistant director of housing Mr John Richards, when he reported one of the highest number of homelessness applications so far.

A total of 161 applications were made last year - on an equal high with figures in 1999/00.

Agronomy Institute opens at Orkney College

Research into crops – old and new – should bring benefits to local farmers with last week's opening of Orkney College’s new Agronomy Institute.

College Principal, Dr Bill Ross, formally opened the new department on Thursday.

The Institute, which has already begun trials on crops such as Bere, Arnica and Black Chokeberry, hope to discover which plants can be best used in Orkney.

St Sunniva sickness alert

The ferry St Sunniva was boarded by health officials on her arrival in Kirkwall this week after passengers became ill during the voyage.

It is understood passengers and crew on the ferry - which runs between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick - had been suffering from a sickness and diarrhoea bug for several days.

Samples of food and water were taken away for examination before the ferry was allowed to continue her journey south.

Scapa Flow hub promotions continue

The project to establish a container port in Scapa Flow is being promoted at two events this month.

Councillor Jim Foubister will attend a conference and exhibition in Belgium next week with director of harbours, Captain Nigel Mills and director of development and protective services, Mr Jeremy Baster.

Then, on June 17, Mr Baster, Councillor Foubister and Councillor Stephen Hagan will be in London to give a presentation on the container hub to a consortium who have shown interest in the project.

New factory considered for Orkney Herring

Orkney Herring could move to a new factory in the Garson Industrial Estate, Stromness, if plans considered by the OIC's development committee are approved.

A full financial appraisal for building the new unit and expanding the food park on the industrial estate will be presented to the policy and resources committee, to be assessed against other council spending priorities.

The new factory would be built by the OIC and leased to Orkney Herring.

Three treated for injuries after Kirkwall collision

Three people were treated at Balfour Hospital on Wednesday night after a two vehicle road accident on Kirkwall's Junction Road.

Two adults and a child were treated for minor injuries after their blue Peugeot car collided with a red Vauxhall Astra at the junction of Union Street and Junction Road.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Kirkwall police on 872241.

Child abuser case sent to High Court

A paedophile living in Orkney is to be sentenced at the High Court for sexual crimes against two young sisters 24 years ago.

Brian Hill (42), of Ingale, Papdale East, Kirkwall, was referred to the High Court in Edinburgh by Sheriff David Mackie, where he is expected to be sentenced within a fortnight.

Last month, Hill was convicted of sexually abusing the two sisters and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. He was released on bail and returned to Orkney.

Archive story: Child abuser back in Orkney
Kirkwall resident guilty of sex abuse

OIC consider £250,000 contribution toward Stromness Marine Energy Test Centre

Orkney Islands Council could contribute £250,000 towards developing the new Marine Energy Test Centre in Stromness.

The council’s development committee agreed to the move on Wednesday after hearing the project would be in danger of unravelling if they turned down that level of investment in the £5.5 million scheme.

OIC director of development, Jeremy Baster said the centre would allow the build up of local expertise and strengthen ICIT's (International Centre for Island Technology) presence in the town.

Archive stories: MP urges Government to finance Stromness
marine energy test centre

Hackness defensive battery opens

Hoy's Hackness Battery was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon after seven years of conservation and repair work.

The early 19th century battery, which came into the care of Historic Scotland in 1995, is part of a single defensive system, consisting of the battery and two Martello Towers.

The monuments were built between 1813 and 1815 to provide defence against French and American privateers for British convoys assembling in the Longhope Sound.

Dispute ends as fish mart lease is terminated

The long-running dispute between Stronsay Community Council and the tenants of the Stronsay Fish Mart reached a conclusion in court on Tuesday with the termination of the lease.

The fish mart, which is an interpretation centre, cafe and hostel, has been closed for months following a dispute between the community council and the mart's tenants over rent arrears, access to the property and removal of donated artefacts.

After hearing evidence Sheriff James Penman ruled in favour of the community council, terminating the lease from January 7, 2002.

Police warning after triple car theft

Police are urging rural householders to remove the keys from their vehicles after the theft of three cars on Tuesday.

Two cars were stolen in Rendall, while the third was taken from Kirkwall and later abandoned in Rendall.

A police spokesman said that inquiries are ongoing and a report will be going to the Procurator Fiscal.

OIC appoint interim finance director

Orkney Islands Council have appointed a temporary successor to Finance and Housing director David Robertson, who leaves later this month.

Former depute chief executive of CoSLA, Mr Albert Tait, will act as interim director until a permanent director is appointed.

Archive story: Finance and housing director leaves OIC

Hamnavoe floats out on schedule

Hamnavoe, the third NorthLink ferry floats out at the weekend. Click the picture for larger images.

The 110-metre ro-ro ferry will operate on the Pentland Firth route. The float-out confirms the yard is on target for a September delivery.

Archive story: Ferry construction on schedule as
Hrossey takes to the water

Inquiries after drifting dinghy found

Police are appealing for information after a dinghy was found drifting between Sanday and North Ronaldsay.

Among the strange contents of the vessel, which was towed to Sanday, were two swords, a pair of skis and a helmet. A flag bearing the St George's Cross was flying from the mast.

As it appeared that the boat had drifted from the shore no search was carried out for any missing occupants. Anyone who can help police with their investigation should call 872241.

Group formed to promote Rousay tourism

Tourist businesses in Rousay are getting together to promote short breaks on Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, forming a new group called Visit Rousay.

Chairman of the group, Mrs Itha Flaws of the Pier Restaurant, explained that the former Rousay Tourist Association had “fizzled out” and businesses on the island had decided to revive a local tourism promotion group.

A programme is to be drawn up for visitors including activities which can be carried out during a four-day visit to the area.

Wideford bonfire marks Jubilee

An official beacon to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee was lit on Wideford Hill on Monday night - part of a string of bonfires across Britain.

Although the weather looked as though it might affect the lighting, yesterday's fog and rain cleared in time for the 9.30pm lighting ceremony.

Horses and carriages take to the road for Jubilee fundraiser

A sponsored Golden Jubilee carriage drive took place on Monday to raise money for the Orkney branch of the Red Cross.

The procession of eight riders and four carriages set off from Victoria Street in Stromness and arrived in Finstown at 11.55 am for a halfway break where more riders joined them for the remainder of the ride to Kirkwall.

The carriage drive aimed to raise around £500 for the charity.

Record breaking month for The Orcadian Online

May 2002 proved to be a record-breaking month for The Orcadian Online with over 42,000 visits logged.

There were 42,082 visits in May (averaging 1,357 a day) - an increase of almost 12 per cent over April 2002.

May 2002 saw 78,461 pages viewed - 14,032 more than April.

Click here for full site statistics summary