Fiona Grahame Orkney News Ltd

Islanders in Orkney gathered at their weekly vigil for #Gaza on the Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall.
A message was read out from The Shu'fat Refugee Camp, and news of films being shown at the Phoenix Cinema, Kirkwall.
Filmed by Mike Robertson for The Orkney News.
https://youtu.be/mrAriBvVx5k?si=DjyVpqTd0ss79hR6

“Community ownership is helping to protect essential services, create jobs and breathe new life into towns and villages.”

In Orkney, three churches are now under community ownership and are being used as visitor centres and events spaces. Hoy Youth Club is hoping to make St Columba’s Church the fourth; it is seeking ownership to turn the building into a dedicated youth hub and community space.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/13/community-ownership-is-helping-to-protect-essential-services-create-jobs-and-breathe-new-life-into-towns-and-villages/

Yuri Gagarin #OnThisDay

On 12 April 1961 Yuri Gagarin in Vostok 1 completed one orbit of Earth. He was the first person to travel into Space in a flight which took 108 minutes. Yuri Gagarin was a pilot with the  Soviet Air Forces. He was born on  9 March 1934 in the village of Klushino, in the Western Oblast, near Gzhatsk (renamed 

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/12/yuri-gagarin-onthisday/

Tadpole update #Orkney

Every Saturday since the end of October 2023 islanders have held vigils in support of the people of #Gaza. They are often joined by visitors to Orkney pleased to join with them in calling for Peace and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Filmed by Mike Robertson for The Orkney News.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ9dU9srqXY

Election 2026 : NHS Scotland

Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday 7 May. In this series we look at what decisions are made in our parliament which affect daily lives in Scotland. NHS Scotland. The National Health Service in Scotland is separate from that in rUK. Having said that, if there are cuts to the funding of the NHS in England it will have serious implications to the public health service in Scotland.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/06/election-2026-nhs-scotland/

Poetry Corner : Shifts

Black plastic bale wraps flappingWave slappingCloud shadows chasing over dappled shadowsIn this seal-head-bobbing inshore sea (Like me) the geese won’t settleThey feel the flyways openMagnetic roads to the endless lightOf North’s brief summer Here, our summer shift stands ready at the turnPlumage fresh as new paint. By McB. 24/3/26

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/06/poetry-corner-shifts/

“They used to tell stories about going hunting with thylacines.”

Newly discovered rock art depicting Tasmanian tigers and Tasmanian devils in northern Australia is providing fresh insights into their cultural importance and when they may have last roamed mainland Australia. The project, led by Griffith University Chair in Rock Art Research, Professor Paul Taçon, in partnership with Traditional Owners, documented 14 new images of the Tasmanian tiger or thylacine, as it…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/06/they-used-to-tell-stories-about-going-hunting-with-thylacines/

Weather Forecast 6 April : Mainly dry and bright, a few early showers.

Information from The Met Office. Today 6 April : A few light showers in the morning which will soon fade away. Otherwise a dry bright day with some sunny spells and lighter winds. High cloud thickening later. Maximum temperature 9 °C. Tonight: Dry but somewhat overcast in the evening. It will remaining dry overnight with increasingly clear skies and freshening southeasterly winds.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/06/weather-forecast-6-april-mainly-dry-and-bright-a-few-early-showers/

Stronsay’s Side Schools, Part 10 – The end of an Era

By Ian Cooper from his excellent series, Records of a Bygone Age, first published in The Stronsay Limpet, and republished with permission. Last month’s article ended with the appointment in September 1935 of Miss Frances Drever as teacher at the North School, moving into the Schoolhouse with her sister Lily as her housekeeper. A school photo from around the time of her appointment shows most of the pupils who would…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/05/stronsays-side-schools-part-10-the-end-of-an-era/

The Easter Flower

Far from this foreign Easter damp and chilly My soul steals to a pear-shaped plot of ground, Where gleamed the lilac-tinted Easter lily Soft-scented in the air for yards around; Alone, without a hint of guardian leaf! Just like a fragile bell of silver rime, It burst the tomb for freedom sweet and brief In the young pregnant year at Eastertime;

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/05/the-easter-flower/

Weather Forecast 5 April: Early rain, then bright, blustery showers.

Information from The Met Office. Image credit Martin Laird. Today 5 April : Any remaining heavy rain, hill snow and gales over Shetland clearing early this morning leaving a bright day with sunny intervals and a few showers, these becoming blustery over Orkney where it may touch gale force at times later Maximum temperature 7 °C. Tonight: Clear intervals and blustery showers this evening the fresh to…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/05/weather-forecast-5-april-early-rain-then-bright-blustery-showers/

1902 Ibrox Disaster #OnThisDay

On 5 April 1902 a stand collapsed at Ibrox Park, Govan, Scotland, killing 25 people and injuring 500. "The ground, which was laid out two years ago, at a cost of more than £20,000, was regarded as one of the finest arenas for athletic sports in the United Kingdom. " - Illustrated London News, Saturday 12 April, 1902. Scotland was playing England at the Football Home Championships.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/05/1902-ibrox-disaster-onthisday/

“People as things, that’s where it starts.”

This week the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, voted to impose the death sentence (which would be by hanging) on Palestinian prisoners. Israel runs an Apartheid system. When most people think of Apartheid, the history of South Africa comes to mind where people were segregated according to the colour of their skin, with White people having many more rights than Black South Africans, or those of mixed race.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/04/people-as-things-thats-where-it-starts/

Stromness Showing for ‘Finland, the happiest country that almost didn’t exist’

The film, 'Finland ; the happiest country that almost didn't exist', will be shown in Stromness on Monday May 25, at the Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Lesley Riddoch and Gavin Hannigan’s new film about Finland includes a Q&A with Lesley. The documentary unravels Finland's world-beating education system with international expert Pasi Sahlberg & a very lively primary school visit; their…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/04/stromness-showing-for-finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-didnt-exist/

Exhibitions

By Bernie Bell. The Pier Arts Centre currently hosts three exhibitions presenting the work of Orkney artists. The Creative Entrepreneurs exhibition has been covered in The Orkney News So I thought I’d cover the others! This is a purely personal, individual selection - just what particularly caught my eye. First…. on the ground floor…….’Gen-erate’  presents the work of the latest generation of Orkney artists and designers to graduate from Art Schools &…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/04/exhibitions/

Weather Forecast 4 April : Sunshine and showers. Gales, perhaps severe and rain, tonight.

Information from The Met Office. Today 4 April : Sunny spells and occasional showers, some wintry over Shetland this morning. The showers fading in afternoon with the westerly winds easing, then cloud and rain will reach Orkney by evening. Maximum temperature 6 °C. Tonight: Rain over Orkney turning heavy and extending to Shetland with snow on hills, Strengthening winds with gales…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/04/weather-forecast-4-april-sunshine-and-showers-gales-perhaps-severe-and-rain-tonight/

‘From Here’, Claire Omand Exhibition

There's an opportunity to meet the artist Clair Omand at the opening of her new exhibition today, 3 April between 2 and 4pm. 'From Here' is the first exhibition of the new season at The Workshop & Loft Gallery, St Margaret's Hope. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. The exhibition runs until 29 April.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/03/from-here-claire-omand-exhibition/

The Gardeners of Orkney : Pre-order your copy

A new publication which looks at the people who created the gardens in Orkney during the reign of Queen Victoria will go on sale, worldwide, on 7 April, RRP £9.99. The Gardeners of Orkney, by Fiona Grahame, explores the stories of the men (and one woman) who dug, carted the muck, and planted the seeds to create gardens which were both beautiful to look at, and which would feed the household.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/03/the-gardeners-of-orkney-pre-order-your-copy/

Weather Forecast 3 April: Cloudy with persistent rain turning showery in the afternoon.

Information from The Met Office. Today 3 April : The morning will begin cloudy with persistent rain. This rain will turn to the occasional shower over Shetland by midday and over Orkney by mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 6 °C. Tonight: Clear spells will increase form the evening but these will be interspersed with showers, these becoming more frequent towards the morning.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/03/weather-forecast-3-april-cloudy-with-persistent-rain-turning-showery-in-the-afternoon/

Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026

Entries are now open for all categories of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026 and it has never been easier to submit a superb example of excellence in woodlands and forestry. With a new website – www.sfwa.co.uk – and easy to use online entry forms it could not be simpler to have your work championed on the national stage. Entries opened earlier in the year for the Schools and Early Years categories, and closed on March 31.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/03/scotlands-finest-woods-awards-2026/

“These flights prove that electric aviation can support the essential services communities depend on every day.”

Loganair, Royal Mail, and BETA Technologies (NYSE: BETA), a U.S.-based electric aerospace company, have successfully completed the U.K.'s first electric flight demonstration program across Scotland's regional air network. Over 10 days, BETA's ALIA CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) electric aircraft completed 23 flights across the UK, including 18…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/03/these-flights-prove-that-electric-aviation-can-support-the-essential-services-communities-depend-on-every-day/

5 Candidates for Scottish Parliament 2026 Election, Orkney Constituency

Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday 7 May. There is a vote for a Constituency MSP, and for Regional MSPs. There are 5 candidates for the Orkney Constituency. The candidates whose names will appear on the constituency ballot paper on polling day are: John William COUPLAND - Reform UK Jamie HALCRO JOHNSTON – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/04/02/5-candidates-for-scottish-parliament-2026-election-orkney-constituency/

#PalestineLandDay
The Casual Barbarity of Israel’s Settlement Project in The West Bank

Military occupation vehicles patrolling through the narrow streets, armed settlers descending from the surrounding hillside to burn olive trees, to destroy wheat fields, and indiscriminately murder unarmed civilians. That is the every day reality of Palestinians living in The West Bank. Brendan Stephens visited The West Bank last year and his first hand account of

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/30/the-casual-barbarity-of-israels-settlement-project-in-the-west-bank/

From Sutherland to Orkney : Stories of Clearance

'the increase of 71 is the settlement of a colony of Highlanders, who had been forced to emigrate from Strathnaver, where their farms were converted into sheep pasture.' - The Statistical Account of Scotland, Parish Walls and Flotta, Orkney . (1795 -98).

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/27/from-sutherland-to-orkney-stories-of-clearance/

Ethnic Cleansing in The West Bank.

People will have the chance to hear from a speaker who has seen for himself what is happening in the illegally occupied West Bank. Between 7 October 2023 and 15 March 2026, 1,071 Palestinians – at least 233 of them children – were killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of these, 25 have been killed since the beginning of 2026.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/26/ethnic-cleansing-in-the-west-bank/

“Harold’s campaign was not a desperate dash across England, it was a sophisticated land‑sea operation.”

New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals that King Harold’s legendary 200‑mile march to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 never happened. Instead, the journey was made largely by sea. The findings overturn one of the most iconic stories in English history – altering how the Norman Conquest is understood in classrooms, museums, and public memory. The…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/25/harolds-campaign-was-not-a-desperate-dash-across-england-it-was-a-sophisticated-land-sea-operation/

The Price of Oil & Gas

Since 28 February 2026, the start of the US/Israel War of Choice against Iran, the price of oil and gas is now at: Lebanon: killed 1,001, injured 2,584. Iran: killed 1,444, injured 18,551. US service personnel : killed 13, injured 200. Israel: killed 18, injured 3,730. Gulf States : killed 79, injured over 281. *The figures rise by the hour, and were correct at the time of writing.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/21/the-price-of-oil-gas/

“Everybody deserves good public services.” Andrea Egan, General Secretary, UNISON

The General Secretary of UNISON, Andrea Egan, was in Orkney on, Monday and Tuesday this week, as she tours the country meeting members of the UK's largest trade union. Elected in January 2026 with 60% of the membership vote, Andrea Egan, worked as a residential care worker, supporting vulnerable children, before qualifying as a social worker fifteen years ago. She will hold the role of…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/11/everybody-deserves-good-public-services-andrea-egan-general-secretary-unison/

Disney Twisted-Wonderland the Animation

Ok, do not freak out when I explain the premise of this show. Its a world, that praises and reveres classic Disney villains, and most of the all male cast are essentially Bishonen takes on those villains. Still there? Ok then, we can continue. The series is based on the Gacha video game that you can't get over in the UK, thus making comparing it to that rather pointless for me, same with bringing up any element of how that game…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/11/disney-twisted-wonderland-the-animation/

Stronsay’s Side Schools Part 9 – Peace between the Wars

By Ian Cooper, from his excellent series, 'Records of a Bygone Age', first published in the Stronsay Limpet, and republished here with kind permission. In last month’s article we left the North School in August 1917 under the care of newly appointed teacher Miss Adaline Foubister. Miss Foubister enjoyed a fairly uneventful first term at her new school, although as a foretaste of what was to come a heavy snowstorm…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/11/stronsays-side-schools-part-9-peace-between-the-wars/

Weather Forecast 11 March : Windy with bright spells and showers today

YELLOW WARNING WIND. Information from The Met Office. Today 11 March : Cloudy start with showers or longer spells of rain. Then brightening up from the west with a few passing showers. Windy with strong to gale west or southwesterly winds, occasionally severe gale across Orkney at first. Maximum temperature 9 °C. Tonight: Rain will spread from the west this evening.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/11/weather-forecast-11-march-windy-with-bright-spells-and-showers-today/

Andrea Egan is the General Secretary of UNISON. On her visit to Orkney we had the opportunity to interview her about the challenges faced by her members in Orkney. We also widened the scope of the interview to find out her feelings about the UNISON members in Orkney taking part in the weekly vigils in support of the people of Gaza.
https://youtu.be/m1_IZi883PE?si=nuCJgxWj_b4b9Oa2

Sounds of Spring #Orkney

Textile Waste, a mounting problem.

“It is important that we monitor the situation closely as we don’t want huge volumes of unwanted clothes just piling up on our islands with nowhere to go." - Rebecca Smith, Sustainability Lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides. Around 300,000 tonnes of textile waste is burned or land filled in the UK every year. While many people take unwanted clothes to Charity shops or re-sell them online, that only deals with a small proportion…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/10/textile-waste-a-mounting-problem/

Swirls and Reflections

Swirling surfaces, clear water below, and deeper still, the rocks that evolve in deep time.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/10/swirls-and-reflections/

Sharing and Repairing : Orkney Circular Economy Network

The Orkney Climate Fair took place in early February and celebrated the efforts of Orkney communities who are working to improve the circularity of the Islands. Attendees were welcomed by community organisations and public sector bodies who explained how their projects are supporting share, repair and general waste reduction in Orkney. Highlighted too were opportunities for members of the public to get involved…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/10/sharing-and-repairing-orkney-circular-economy-network/

Weather Forecast 10 March : Patchy rain this morning then brightening up. Unsettled outlook.

Information from The Met Office. Today 10 March : Cloudy start with a little rain. Then becoming drier with a few bright or sunny intervals and just the odd shower. Fresh to strong southerly winds. Maximum temperature 10 °C. Tonight: A dry start to the evening then a band of rain crossing Orkney mid evening then Shetland around midnight, followed by clearer weather with…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/10/weather-forecast-10-march-patchy-rain-this-morning-then-brightening-up-unsettled-outlook/

On the day before International Women's Day, the islanders attending the #Orkney Vigil for #Gaza in Kirkwall, remembered the tens of thousands of women and girls slaughtered in the Gaza Genocide.
Filmed by Mike Robertson for The Orkney News.
https://youtu.be/a8EfEeZDyQ0?si=rCxLu1VL3VzjvS9e

Focus on Orkney’s Community Councils

"If we are to have better decision-making at community level we need stronger and deeper democracy ." Community Councils have been with us in Scotland for over 50 years being first established in Scotland following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Do they still have a role to play in local democracy or have they been supplanted by other forms of representation or through a lack of knowledge about their value ?

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/09/focus-on-orkneys-community-councils/

Weather Forecast 9 March : Mainly dry and cloudy on Monday

Information from The Met Office. Today 9 March : A mostly cloudy day with some bright or sunny intervals breaking through. Largely dry but a few light outbreaks of rain possible through the day. Moderate to fresh southerly winds. Maximum temperature 10 °C. Tonight: Cloud will break up this evening and the rest of the night will be dry with some clear spells.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/09/weather-forecast-9-march-mainly-dry-and-cloudy-on-monday/

Leigh’s Is Back!

By Bernie Bell. Leigh’s van is back in the Finstown car park – Saturday’s  & Sunday’s just  as good as ever.  There are some new additions to the menu, and all burgers are made by Flett’s We’d been gardening in the morning, then went to Leigh’s for lunch and sat by the Bay munching veggie-burgers I recommend it!

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/09/leighs-is-back/

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #OnThisDay

On 8 March 1978, Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was first broadcast over the airwaves on BBC Radio 4. The series follows the adventures of hapless Englishman Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, an alien who writes for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a pan-galactic encyclopaedia and travel guide. After Earth is destroyed in the first episode, Arthur and Ford find themselves aboard a stolen…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/08/the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-onthisday/

The Old Irish Goat : a living piece of ancient heritage.

New research has revealed that the Old Irish Goat shares a 3,000-year genetic link with goats living in Ireland during the Late Bronze Age. The findings suggest the rare indigenous breed represents a continuous Irish lineage stretching back millennia. “Combining genetics, proteomics, and archaeological science has allowed us a glimpse of our animals hundreds and thousands of years ago - and how their descendants…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/05/the-old-irish-goat-a-living-piece-of-ancient-heritage/

The Gardeners of Orkney: Coming Soon

Today, 5 March is World Book Day. A day to celebrate books and the power of reading. Coming soon to book stores worldwide is 'The Gardeners of Orkney', written by Fiona Grahame and published by Orkney News Ltd. Many beautiful and productive gardens have been created in Orkney over the centuries. It was in the 19th century with access to plant species collected from around the world that gardening blossomed in the islands.

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/03/05/the-gardeners-of-orkney-coming-soon/

A Unique Snapshot in Time Revealed on a Scottish Beach

2,000-year-old footprints have been revealed on an Angus beach after storms and waves crashed on the shore. The imprints of human and animal feet – made around the time of Boudicca, Jesus, and the height of the Roman Empire – were temporarily revealed by shifting sands at Lunan Bay and spotted by vigilant members of the public. Lunan Bay locals Ivor Campbell and Jenny Snedden were walking their dogs Ziggy and Juno…

https://theorkneynews.scot/2026/02/20/a-unique-snapshot-in-time-revealed-on-a-scottish-beach/

Filmed by Mike Robertson for The Orkney News on a very wet day in Orkney. Peace campaigners came together on Saturday 29 March to continue in their calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages. #Gaza #Orkney
https://youtu.be/t5XdGMPhbx4?si=B9JqYidLoVnJu97R