Full details at: http://www.spanglefish.com/northernskies/index.asp?pageid=276772

Police in Orkney will be targeting speeding motorists from today, Tuesday, until Friday in an effort to ensure the safety of all school attendees and encourage motorists to drive at lesser speeds.

Under ‘Operation Route’, the Division-wide initiative will focus on primary and secondary schools particularly in areas where those attending are known to walk to and from school.

Police are keen to remind motorists of the 20mph restriction that is in place around most schools in built up areas. Those caught driving above this could face being issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or even be reported to the procurator fiscal, depending on the circumstances.

Routine speed checks will continue across the area throughout the school year on conclusion of the initiative.

The graffiti on the wall at Kairds, Albert Street

Police are appealing for information relating to a spate of vandalism in Kirkwall at the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Tree Shop and Kairds, between Thursday, April 17, and Saturday, April 19.

The vandalism consists of graffiti on the external walls of the buildings. Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have sold black spray paint recently or anyone who may know the identity of the individual involved.

Please contact the Kirkwall station on 101, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The steel propeller blade which was taken last month.

Police in Orkney are appealing for information on a theft of a stainless steel propeller blade from a yard at Hatston Farm in Kirkwall, which was taken sometime between Sunday, March 9, and Saturday, March 29.

The blade was described as being approximately 44 inches wide and about 54 inches long.

Police are also appealing for information relating to graffiti on the front wall of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Kirkwall between Thursday, April 17, and Saturday, April 19.

Please contact Orkney Police on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RSPB Scotland are asking the Orkney public to contact them if they hear the elusive bird’s call.

RSPB say that there has been a surprisingly early start to the corncrake season in Orkney this year and the charity are encouraging people to send them further records.

The first reported calling male was heard on April 8 in the East Mainland. Corncrakes spend the winter in Africa and are in Orkney for just a few months when they return to breed in the spring.

However corncrakes have suffered serious declines throughout the UK and much of Europe. In Orkney there were only 14 males last year. RSPB Scotland is asking for help to monitor the movements of these endangered birds so that their habitat can be protected in the future.

Corncrakes are elusive birds which  tend to hide in tall vegetation and are rarely seen. They  have a distinctive “crex crex” call, which is the sound of the males trying to attract a female.

To report a corncrake call, contact Inga Seator of RSPB Scotland by calling 01856 852029, emailing inga.seator@RSPB.org.uk or posting on the RSPB Orkney Facebook page.

The men’s team who beat their Shetland rivals.

Orkney darts players are celebrating this weekend, following success in the annual contest against their Shetland counterparts yesterday.

The men’s darts team beat their rivals 11-4 in Lerwick to secure the inter-county trophy for the fourth year in a row.

Their win followed an unfortunate defeat for the Orkney ladies, who lost 11-10 on Thursday evening.