Loganair renew BA franchise

Loganair was one of the first British Airways franchise operators when the original agreement was signed in 1994.

Since then the company have increased the number of routes that it flies within Scotland using the British Airways brand.

The Watchstone, Stenness, part of Orkney's World Heritage Site

An international organisation dedicated to world historical monuments is holding its AGM in Orkney later this month.

The AGM of the British branch of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) takes place on May 31, but members will also spend time visiting local sites, in particular Orkney's World Heritage site - the area surrounding the Ness of Brodgar and Skara Brae.

Part of the proposed programme of events for the weekend visit is a seminar on May 31 on the subject of ritual landscapes.

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Hamnavoe sails after weather disruptions

Sailings of the MV Hamnavoe on Thursday were disrupted by the weather conditions, with strong winds cancelling two crossings.

The 9am crossing from Stromness and the subsequent 12.30pm sailing from Scrabster were both cancelled due to the wind conditions in the Pentland Firth.

The company have always stressed that the operation of the Hamnavoe with the old Scrabster linkspan would be weather dependent.

ONFA celebrate 25 years on Norwegian constitution day

The 2002 Kirkwall tog

This year's event is particularly significant as it falls in the silver jubilee year of the Orkney Norway Friendship Association.

Guest of honour is the Norwegian minister Sven Ludvigsen, with around 60 dancers from Sotra expected in Orkney along with 40 yachtsmen from Stavanger due to arrive on the Saturday.

The traditional procession, or tog, through Kirkwall leaves Kirkwall pier at 3pm on Saturday, May 17.

Four could challenge for OIC convenership

Councillor Stephen Hagan

At least four councillors could vie for the convenership of the Orkney Islands Council, when the new council meet for the first time since last week's elections.

A convener and vice-convener have to be chosen at a meeting next Thursday, May 15, with the member most widely tipped for convener is Councillor Stephen Hagan.

Other possible contenders are Councillor Bob Sclater, Councillor Janice Annal and Councillor Keith Johnson.

Community council elections for seven areas

There will have to be elections in seven areas - Egilsay, Orphir, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stenness, Stromness and Westray.

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RSPB resume annual corncrake watch

Any one hearing a corncrake is asked to note the location, date and time and pass this on to the RSPB on 01856 771857, along with their name and a contact telephone number.

Guilty verdict on road race death

A man accused of causing the death of South Ronaldsay teenager Robert Banks during an Aberdeen road race has been found guilty.

The jury took eight minutes in Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday to convict Christopher Stalker (21) of killing the teenage pedestrian by dangerous driving.

Stalker had been racing another driver when he struck pedestrian Robert Banks, leaving him fatally injured.

Eday couple admit to fraud charges

Two Eday residents have pleaded guilty to being involved in a multi-million pound debt recovery fraud.

Maureen McHugh and husband David, of South Park, Eday, admitted conspiracy to defraud in Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.

Cash grant allows Hoy Centre project to begin

The £595,000 development will see the Hoy Centre, in the shadow of Ward Hill, renovated and expanded, becoming a multi-purpose centre operating as a community resource as well as offering facilities to tourists and visitors.

The project is now being put out to contract with work planned to begin in the summer.

Udal Law group launch website

The site details the advantages to Orkney and Shetland in having control over the sea and seabed around their islands as is their right under Udal Law.

Click here to access.
Archive story: Udal Law pressure group established

New news editor joins The Orcadian

A new The Orcadian news editor has joined the editorial staff this week.

Stuart Laundy (35) has moved to Orkney from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, where he was deputy news editor at the Shields Gazette.

Born and brought up in Darlington, County Durham, he has been a journalist for 16 years, including a four-year stint in the Arabian Gulf from 1996 to 2000.

He takes over from Howard Hazell, who has served as interim news editor since Robert Leslie left in December.

Northern Isles waste plan launched

A plan to help the Northern Isles make the most of their waste over the next two decades was launched in Shetland at the weekend.

The Orkney and Shetland area waste groups have developed the plan to give the most benefits and the least drawbacks to the people, the environment and the economy of the islands, while meeting international requirements.

Man charged with assault

A man in his 30s, has been charged with assaulting a 23-year-old woman in the Torvhaug Inn, Kirkwall on Saturday night.

Kirkwall Police, who are appealing for witnesses to come forward, said a report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Meanwhile, a report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal after an alleged disturbance on the Ferry Road in Stromness at the weekend.

A 19-year-old man was arrested by police shortly after 1am on Saturday and later released. Police inquiries are continuing and any witnesses are asked to come forward.

Police seek information on injured woman

A woman was found with a head injury at the rear of the West End Hotel in Kirkwall on Saturday night.

She was taken to Kirkwall's Balfour Hospital for treatment at around 10pm, although it is not known if she was assaulted or fell, according to police.

Acting Inspector Colin Gunn said: "It is not clear how she sustained her injury so we would like to clear it up."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 872241.

Orcades Viking III sold

The Orcades Viking III moored in Stromness

Orkney’s largest fishing vessel and one of the biggest in the UK fleet, Orcades Viking III, has been sold to an Icelandic company.

The 75-metre boat was due to sail from her home port of Stromness for the last time today.

The £9 million vessel, owned by Angus Sinclair, first arrived in Stromness in October 1991.

Folk Festival tickets on sale

Tickets for the 21st Orkney Folk Festival went on sale on Monday.

The festival, which runs from May 22-25 this year, features acts such as Blazin' Fiddles and Orkney's own Ivan Drever.

Tickets are available from Hillanders in Kirkwall, the ticket office at the Stromness Town House or online at www.orkneyfolkfestival.com.

New health care premises for Kirkwall

The two GP practices operating from Kirkwall's Health Centre are looking at relocating to a proposed new healthcare centre.

Scapa Medical Group and Skerryvore practice intend to hold a public meeting to inform patients about the plans once they have more detailed information.

The practices, together with NHS Orkney, started work on the planning and development of the "Primary Care Centre" earlier this year.

2001