An independent report on potential sites for developing wave energy in Scotland recommended Stromness as the best location. The report, produced for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), looked at sights along the north coast of Scotland, in the Western Isles, Argyll and Bute, and Orkney, for a new national test centre for wave energy.

The consultants who carried out the research, METOC and JWG Consulting, felt that Stromness was the best option despite strong political lobbying for the site to be based in the Western Isles. The project is expected to supply five local jobs initially.

A policeman warned that the culture of Orkney dances could lead to another alcohol-related death of a youngster. The scale of intoxication of children as young as 14, shocked PC Andy Thomas, who transferred from Shetland to Orkney recently.

The news that Orkney’s largest dairy farm was to cease milk production later in the year was released. Cheese production was also set to stop with the possible loss of 15 jobs. Swannay Farms of Birsay blamed rising milk production costs for the decision to go out of dairying and discontinue cheese production before the year was out.

A local diver claimed that the remains of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow had been stripped bare by unscrupulous wreckers. Diver Mark Reeves described the local initiative to create an underwater conservation zone was a waste of money. The chairman of the Orkney Dive Boat Operators Association dismissed the claims as utter rubbish and said that the Flow was still a major attraction for sport divers.

According to a report out this month, Orkney was suffering from one of the worst economic growth rates in the country. The news of economic downturn came from Inverness-based financial consultant Tony Mackay in his monthly economic report for the Highlands and Islands.

Frustration caused by repeated blows to the local shellfish industry spilled over into the council offices when shellfish diver Stewart Ritchie chained himself to the bannisters in a one man protest.

Orkney’s Island Games team returned to the county in possession of four medals - two silver and two bronze - to add to their past medals tally.

Orkney Sheriff Colin Scott Mackenzie announced that no leniency would be shown to drug traffickers and carriers.

Mrs Barbara Foulkes got the job as the new chief executive of the Orkney Tourist Board.