Orkney has seen its first snow of winter, but there appears to be a distinct east-west divide.

The snowfall, which began early Thursday morning, affected much of the West Mainland, particularly the areas around Stromness and Sandwick, but eastwards from Finstown has saw a mere dusting.

But despite the forecast for more over the weekend, Saturday saw much of the west's snow thaw.

The Doonies managed to get the ba' down as far as the Kirkwall Post Office before Uppie pressure saw it edge southwards along Junction Road towards their goal.

The ba' finally touched the Uppie goal at 6.30pm, with the ba' going to Bruce Moar (34) of Royal Oak Road, Kirkwall.

Thrown up at 10.30am, the Boys' Ba' touched the Uppie goal at 1.05pm and was awarded to Graeme Peace of Pipersquoy, Kirkwall.

The pack reached Castle Street before the Uppies forced it south along Junction Road and onwards to their goal.

Brodgar fireworks help Orkney see in the New Year

Orkney saw the New Year in with a bang with a fireworks display over the Ring of Brodgar among the many events celebrating the arrival of 2003.

Pyrotechnics expert, Matt Nigley set off a range of fireworks, including three six inch mortars which were expected to reach 1,500 metres into the sky.

Elsewhere, other fireworks lit the night sky, as the St Magnus Cathedral bells chimed over Broad Street revellers and Stromness echoed to the sound of ships' horns.

Two Orkney residents have been recognised in the New Years Honours list published today.

Mrs Daphne Lorimer of Orphir receives an MBE for services to archaeology and Mr James Doull of South Ronaldsay awarded an MBE for services to the community.

Flotta oil terminal operators, Talisman, provided early Christmas presents for four local organisations recently, donating a total of £13,500 between them.

The Stromness-based hyperbaric chamber, Crossroads, Voluntary Action Orkney and Orkney Talking Newspaper receive the cash as part of an annual donation from Talisman.

Foul play fears as ba' display window smashed

A smashed window displaying the New Year's Day men's ba' led the Ba' Committee to fear foul play.

However, the ba' itself was left untouched in the window of the old Gospel Hall in Victoria Street, Kirkwall. It has now been moved to a secure window in Tankerness House.

Police say the window was broken at 1.40am on Saturday and are particularly interested in talking to a male seen in the area at the time.

Skaill farmer judges Royal Highland Show

Local Aberdeen Angus cattle breeder, Colin Davidson, of Skaill Farm, Sandwick, will be one of the judges at next year's Royal Highland Show.

Mr Davidson will judge the beef breeder champion and junior beef interbreed championship.

Stromness dove continues to attract twitchers

The rufous turtle dove which saw a flurry of birdwatchers descend on Stromness earlier this month is still attracting twitchers.

It is thought that more than 700 people have made the journey north (and south) over the last ten days to see the rare Siberian migrant.

Archive story: Stromness invasion as 'twitchers' seek rare dove

Skaill farmer judges Royal Highland Show

Local Aberdeen Angus cattle breeder, Colin Davidson, of Skaill Farm, Sandwick, will be one of the judges at next year's Royal Highland Show.

Mr Davidson will judge the beef breeder champion and junior beef interbreed championship.

Stromness dove continues to attract twitchers

The rufous turtle dove which saw a flurry of birdwatchers descend on Stromness earlier this month is still attracting twitchers.

It is thought that more than 700 people have made the journey north (and south) over the last ten days to see the rare Siberian migrant.

Archive story: Stromness invasion as 'twitchers' seek rare dove

Executive confirm receipt of November fish farm escape report

The Scottish Executive have confirmed that they have received a report of another fish farm escape in Orkney.

A spokesman confirmed on Friday that they had been notified on an escape that took place on November 29. It is understood the escape was from a cage off off Eday belonging to Orkney Sea Farms.

Video counselling service is a success say organisers

A counselling "by television" service to couples with relationship problems has been heralded a success by the organisers.

The unique system, in which Aberdeen counsellors talk to couple via a video-conferencing link, was set up a year ago when it emerged that there were no trained counsellors in the county.

Clutching his prize, Uppie Garry Cooper is congratulated after winning the ba'.

A strong Uppie side swept the Men's Ba' to their goal at Mackinson's corner on Christmas Day - the second Uppie victory of the day, and their ninth in a row.

Thrown up by Dennis Muir at 1pm, the Uppies had control of the ba' practically from the start, forcing play straight up through Victoria Street and eventually into Main Street.

The ba' touched the Uppie goal at 3.55pm, with the ba' itself going to Garry Cooper of Craigie Crescent, Kirkwall.

For more information on the Kirkwall Ba' game see www.bagame.com.

Click here for photographs

The first ba' of the festive season went up - won by Kirkwall boy Andy Sutherland.

After the 10am throw up on Christmas morning, the ba' was soon heading south towards the Uppie goal at Mackinson's Corner.

The ba' touched the goal around 11.20am, with Andy Sutherland declared the winner around 11.45am.

Click here for photographs

Homeless applications look set to increase again in 2003

More than 25 children in Orkney will start the New Year in emergency accommodation, according to Orkney Islands Council.

Assistant director of housing, John Richards, said the situation is likely to worsen, as homeless applications to the OIC look set to rise again next year.

Weather hits Christmas ferry travel

The severe weather took its toll on Christmas travellers last week, with internal and external ferry sailings hit.

The strong winds disrupted many of Orkney Ferries internal sailings on Christmas Eve, while NorthLink's Hjaltland and Hrossey were stuck in Shetland and not expected to sail until Boxing Day.

Safety fears shut second barrier

The second Churchill Barrier was closed to traffic overnight on Monday after another vehicle was damaged by heavy seas.

The barrier was closed by police at 9pm on Monday night and reopened at 7am on Christmas Eve.

The fourth barrier was also affected by the storms, with a build up of sand across the road.

Information sought after drug find at ferry terminal

Police are appealing for information after a quantity of drugs was found at the new Hatston ferry terminal at the weekend.

Inspector David Miller said NorthLink staff found a substance, believed to be controlled drugs, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Anyone with information should contact police on 872241 or on the confidential line 870999.

Contractors appointed for Kirkwall housing development

Casey Construction Limited will demolish the existing buildings on the site, with the contract to build the development going to Orkney Builders (Contractors) Limited.

Demolition is expected to be finished by February 2003, with the new buildings completed by mid-2004.

Police disappointed by revellers' festive behaviour

Kirkwall police have expressed disappointment following a weekend of disturbances across the town.

The season's festive revelries began in force on Thursday evening, but with them came a series of incidents including assault and vandalism.

Police Inspector David Miller said: "We would remind everyone to enjoy themselves but to remain safe and avoid trouble, so everyone can enjoy a happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year."

The Scottish Executive held talks in Edinburgh on Monday to consider a financial package to help reduce the financial impact of last week's European fishing negotiations.

Although better than expected, the EU decided that fishermen will only be permitted to fish for 15 days a month, together with a drastic cut in quotas.

Big Tree named one of Scotland's 100 heritage trees

The Big Tree in Albert Street, Kirkwall

Kirkwall's Big Tree has been named one of Scotland's "100 Heritage Trees".

Albert Street's solitary sycamore was heavily cut back some years ago when the state of the hollow trunk raised fears about safety. It has since flourished.

The designation followed a quest by the Forestry Commission to find Scotland's most remarkable trees.