Costly challenge to restore Trumland House

The new owners of the Trumland estate in Rousay are appealing to Orcadians to help them restore the mansion to its former glory.

Brian Gregg and his wife Elaine have set themselves the expensive challenge of rebuilding the 19th century property.

And to make the refurbishment as authentic as possible, they are seeking old photographs and artefacts connected with the house.

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NorthLink cancellations on Sunday

The cancellations were to allow the installation of an adjustable platform at the end of the existing linkspan, meaning the NorthLink vessel Hamnavoe can come into operation later this month.

Petronordic tanker makes first Flotta visit

A new shuttle tanker for the Atlantic Foinaven field arrived in Scapa Flow on Friday with her first cargo of oil.

The Petronordic, arrived at 4am on Friday, is replacing the Petrotrym - a regular sight in the Flow over the years.

Convener to stand down from post

Councillor Hugh Halcro-Johnston

OIC convener, Councillor Hugh Halcro-Johnston, will not be putting his name forward for the top job again, if he is returned as a councillor on May 1.

He made the formal announcement that he was not seeking nomination as convener at Thursday morning’s full council meeting - the final one of the four-year session.

Councillor Halcro-Johnston said that although he had enjoyed the last nine years he had served as convener, it was now time for a new face and fresh ideas.

Orkney's crime rate on the increase

Crime in Orkney is on the rise - according to figures from the criminal justice administration department.

The period from April 2002 to February 2003 saw a 15.8 per cent rise in reported crimes in Orkney. Crimes of dishonesty rose from 138 to 184 while vandalisms rose from 113 to 146.

However, a police spokesman said the rises could be attributable to one person carrying out several offences.

Port idea dubbed a "joke"

The idea of an international container port in Scapa Flow was branded a "joke" this week.

The jibe came on the information service ci-online website of the trade journal Containerisation International. Another industry executive is quoted as saying: "It's a non-starter".

The director of ICHL, the OIC's "preferred partner" in the projects, is John Firth, retired surgeon and former Orkney Tory candidate. He said this week that the project is steaming ahead, with building work hoped to start next year.

Award to Kirkwall paramedic

An Orkney paramedic is to receive a bravery award in recognition of his attempts to save a woman who fell from Kirkwall pier last year.

Keith Williamson has been awarded a Royal Humane Society testimonial on parchment after the attempted rescue of Mary Griffiths in the early hours of December 14.

Unfortunately the attempts to resuscitate Mrs Griffiths after she was removed from the water were unsuccessful.

Community Plan launched

Orkney's Community Plan was launched in Kirkwall's Pickaquoy Centre on Thursday afternoon.

The document, which sets out a vision for Orkney over the next two decades, was led by three principal partners – the OIC, NHS Orkney and Orkney Enterprise.

Road safety blitz to be extended after 'disappointing' first day

Tuesday, the first day of the campaign, saw five speeders issued with fixed penalties, 14 warned about their speed and four fixed penalties issued for failure to wear seat belts.

The original eight-day operation was due to run until April 8.

Papay takes delivery of fire engine

The new Papay fire engine on the island on Tuesday

Orkney's latest fire engine was delivered this week - to Papay.

The volunteer fire brigade on Papa Westray took delivery of the vehicle on Tuesday and are currently busy familiarising themselves with its operation.

Official opening for Coastguard building

The Coastguard's new Sector Base in Kirkwall was officially opened on Wednesday.

The opening of the Cromwell road building was carried out by the Director of Maritime Operations and Chief Coastguard John Astbury.

Labour name Orkney candidate

The Labour Party have named their candidate to fight the Orkney constituency in the forthcoming elections for the Scottish Parliament.

Labour were the last of the main parties to confirm a candidate - 25-year-old Richard Meade from Edinburgh.

Originally from Yorkshire, Mr Meade is currently working in Edinburgh as a project officer for the NHS.

Orkney leads in number of home workers

Orkney has the highest proportion of people who work from home in Scotland, statistics have revealed.

Figures released by the GMB Union showed that in 2001 1,500 people in Orkney - 15.4 per cent of the workforce - worked from home.

Overall in Scotland 152,387 - only six per cent of the workforce - work from home.

Power restored to North Ronaldsay

Power supplies to North Ronaldsay are now fully restored after a cable fault at the primary school knocked out the island's electricity on Saturday night.

The supply was restored to the majority of islanders late on on Monday afternoon.

Eight day campaign cracks down on speeders

Orkney's motorists had an extra incentive to go easier on the throttle from Tuesday as the Northern Constabulary launch a campaign to reduce road accidents.

For eight days from April 1 - National No Speeding Day - local police are targeting speeding black spots in built-up areas such as the Meadows in Kirkwall and St Mary's in Holm.

Law Commission recommend acceptance of Orkney's Udal Law

The Scottish Law Commission have recommended that the powers of Udal Law, which have applied in Orkney and Shetland since Norse rule, be enshrined in formal legislation by the Scottish Parliament.

The Commission have made their recommendations following a wide-ranging public consultation exercise begun in 2001.

They were asked to look at existing law relating to the foreshore and seabed and advise on possible reforms.

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See Also: Udal Law by Charles Tait

NorthLink showcase Orkney and Shetland at travel expo

The VisitScotland expo in Glasgow attracts over 1,000 buyers from all sectors of the travel industry.

NorthLink will use the occasion to launch and distribute their new holiday and cruise brochure, boasting more sailings than before and several reduced fares.

Northern Isles depute fiscal sworn in

Based in Lerwick, the depute will assist fiscal Ms Sue Foard, who retains overall responsibility for Orkney and Shetland.

Duncan MacKenzie was sworn in by Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC.

Archive story: Second fiscal for Northern Isles

Witnesses sought after car stolen

Police are looking for witnesses after a car was stolen in Kirkwall on Saturday night.

The Ford Mondeo - K340 YBS - was removed from the Burnside area of the town, and was later seen in St Margaret's Hope, where three men were with the vehicle.

The car was later returned undamaged.

No place for Orkney drama teams

The three Orkney teams who were performing in the Northern Divisional one-act play festival in Dunkeld were unplaced when the results were announced on Saturday night.

The teams were St Andrews Drama Club, Stromness Drama Club and Palace Players.

Stromness Drama Club did, however, win the Kennedy Thomson Quaich for the best stage setting.