Archaeology seminar in Kirkwall

Julie Gibson and Jane Downes

The Friends of the Orkney Archaeological Trust (FOAT) are holding a special one-day seminar in Kirkwall today.

Entitled Archaeology: How and Why?, speakers include Jane Downes, leader of the archaeology course at Orkney College, Nick Card, Sarah Grieve and Anne Brundle.

With papers from Andrew Appleby on cooking pots and Joy Livett on primitive textiles, county archaeologist Julie Gibson will sum up at the end of the day.

The seminar begins at 9.30am and entrance cost £8 (£6 for FOAT members).

Smyth fails to add to medal tally

Orkney's only medal winner - Jim Middlemas with his bronze.

Orkney's hopes of securing a second medal at the Island Games in Guernsey were dashed on Friday afternoon as javelin thrower Jeremy Smyth came fourth in the men's event.

Meanwhile, in the football competition, Orkney lost 6-0 to Shetland in the 7th/8th place playoff.

On the golf course Orkney's Marcus Croy, Graham Bell and Stewart Fotheringhame finished 19th, 20th and 21st respectively.

Orkney's only medal was a bronze secured by archer Jim Middlemas.

SNAIL trials postponed

The start of prototype tidal energy turbine trials in Eynhallow Sound has been postponed until Tuesday.

The 20 metre device, called SNAIL, was due to be launched from the Hatston Pier on Friday, spending the summer in the turbulent waters of Eynhallow Sound.

Two Orkney sites in Britain's top ten

Two of Orkney's ancient monuments have made it into a top ten list of Britain's ancient sites.

After being voted for by members of the public for a Channel 5 television programme, Maeshowe made it to number nine with Skara Brae at number four.

Football victory for Gibraltar over Orkney

Orkney played Gibraltar in the Island Games football on Thursday morning but were beaten 7-1.

The Orkney squad were due to play Greenland, but received an unexpected "promotion" after Rhodes pulled out of the competition - their last game had to be abandoned after five Rhodes players and their manager were sent off.

Transport Minister to meet with Orkney farmers

A meeting between the Minister and Orkney and Shetland MSPs Jim Wallace and Tavish Scott yesterday was called to review the position regarding the draft tender specification for the livestock shipping contract.

The Minister will meet with Orkney's farmers and the Auction during his visit.

Island Games - Thursday round-up

Orkney's golfers were back on the course on Thursday, competing in round three of the individual men's event. At the time of the afternoon update Orkney's Brian Corsie was eleventh.

In the individual clay trap shooting today, Stewart Clouston was in 17th place as we updated, with Victor Smith at 23.

Athlete Nigel Thomson did not compete in the men's 100m - presumably due to his injured shoulder.

Orkney farmers share in environmental funding scheme

Sixty-one Orkney farmers are among the 1,078 across Scotland to receive funding as part of the Scottish Executive's Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS).

The 23.6 million scheme aims to promote wildlife conservation on farms and crofts.

Orkney's first medal won by archer

Bronze medal winner Jim Middlemas in Guernsey

Orkney's first medal in the 2003 Island Games has been won by archer Jim Middlemas, who took bronze in the men's recurve head-to-head event.

Catherine Symons who played well in the ladies' table tennis singles on Wednesday, lost a place in the quarter finals to Jersey's Jennifer Anderson.

Meanwhile, the badminton pairings of Vicky Gorn/Caroline Vendy and Calvin Reid/Stuart Slater had a better day on Wednesday, battling through to the quarter finals of the doubles competition. The ladies then lost to Shetland, the men falling to Guernsey.

Police issue drugs reminder in wake of cannabis case

The media furore around the Biz Ivol cannabis case prompted the police to issue a statement on Wednesday, stressing their policy on drugs.

Inspector Bob Pollock, drug and alcohol co-ordinator for the Northern Constabulary, said: "Northern Constabulary has a duty to enforce the law in relation to the illegal supply of drugs and any person who deals in illegal substances."

"Cannabis remains an illegal drug and its 'reclassification' from Class B to Class C in no way represents a move towards decriminalisation or legalisation."

Biz Ivol hospitalised after suspected overdose

MS sufferer and cannabis campaigner Biz Ivol was taken to hospital on Wednesday after a suspected overdose.

Mrs Ivol was transferred from her South Ronaldsay home to Kirkwall's Balfour Hospital this morning, hours before the Crown dropped the criminal charges against her.

Mrs Ivol had always remained adamant that she would continue with her plans to end her life after the court case was over.

Archive story: Cannabis campaigner considers final protest

Crown drops Ivol cannabis charges

The case against Biz Ivol has been dropped by the Crown.

Speaking at a specially-convened session of Kirkwall Sheriff Court in Kirkwall's Pickaquoy Centre on Wednesday afternoon, Procurator Fiscal Sue Foard said the case was being deserted because of Mrs Ivol's deteriorating health.

Mrs Ivol was charged with supplying cannabis laced chocolate.

Cutbacks see early weekend closings for Picky Centre

Cash problems at Kirkwall's Pickaquoy Centre is forcing the facility to close early at the weekends.

The cutbacks are an attempt to save money in the face of rising running costs and will see early closure on Saturdays and Sundays.

Latest news from the Island Games

Marcus Croy on the golf course on Tuesday.

Orkney's chances for a medal are looking slimmer after athletes Nigel Thomson and Linda Low missed out on Tuesday.

Linda took fifth place in the women's hammer throw, while Nigel, battling with a shoulder injury, qualified for the men's 400m semi-final but then finished in sixth place.

All eyes are now on Orkney's Jeremy Smyth in Friday's javelin - in which he's tipped to take a medal.

First victory to Orkney footballers

After a disappointing, and hard, two games, Orkney's footballers won their first match on Tuesday afternoon, beating Alderney 3-1.

Unbeaten run for Catherine at Island Games

Orkney's Catherine Symons in action in Guernsey.

Catherine Symons' unbeaten run in the Island Game table tennis competition continued on Tuesday, until she pulled out of the game against Åland to determine team final placings.

Catherine's final game of the day was against Shetland, but despite her good form, the Orkney team lost 6-1.

Later, Åland beat Orkney 4-2, earning Orkney 12th position.

Click here for a run down Tuesday's events

A new view of Kirkwall - from the back of a horse-drawn carriage

Visitors to Kirkwall have a new way to see the town's highlights - by horse and carriage.

South Ronaldsay farmer Geoff Linnitt plans to take visitors from the pier around Kirkwall, with a stop at St Magnus Cathedral.

Orkney fall to Guernsey in football clash

It was a disappointing night for Orkney's footballers on Monday, who were beaten 10-0 by Guernsey in their Island Games fixture.

Former minister shortlisted for columnist of year award

Orphir-based writer Ron Ferguson has been shortlisted for the UK Regional Columnist of the Year Award in the British Press Awards. He is the only Scottish writer to make the final list.

The former minister of St Magnus Cathedral, Mr Ferguson was nominated for his weekly columns in The Press & Journal. He also writes a weekly column for The Glasgow Herald.

Ron Ferguson is currently in North Carolina, USA, where he is theologian in residence and tutor in creative writing.

Mart restructuring as manager steps down

Orkney Auction Mart has announced a restructuring of their management team following John Copland's decision to step down as manager.

Mr Copland will remain at Orkney Auction Mart in a non-managerial capacity, with Rob Crichton assuming the role of interim manager.

No medals for Orkney yet as day two of Island Games continues

The Orkney squad in action against Rhodes yesterday (Pic: Lynne Williamson)

The Island Games continued in warm, humid conditions in the Channel Islands on Monday, with the Orkney competitors continuing in table tennis, badminton and clay pigeon.

The archery contest began on Monday, with Jim Middlemas and Graham Brough in 8th and 25th place respectively in the men's recurve. In the women's recurve, Danielle Corsie was 10th with Annabel Eltome-Middlemas in 15th place.

Leading the medal table at the time of update is the Isle of Man with 12 medals (seven gold, one silver and four bronze).

Click here for more of Monday's results

SNH pleased with public response to Kirkwall meeting

Among the issues highlighted is the development of their Landscape Policy Framework. Currently in its draft stages, the framework will help determine a strategy for developments in "sensitive" sites.

SNH board member Sandy Kerr said: "These events are crucial for us to find out what people think of the work we are involved with here and are a chance for them to influence the direction we take in the future."

Archive story: Scottish Natural Heritage in the spotlight

Orkney competitors in Guernsey for start of 2003 Island Games

The Festival of the Water - part of the opening ceremonies of the 2003 Island Games in Guernsey (Pic: Lynne Williamson)

The 2003 Island Games got under way in Guernsey on Saturday, with Orkney's competitors taking part in the grand opening ceremony.

So far Orkney has competed in table tennis, football, clay pigeon, triathlon and badminton, but have been overwhelmed by the opposition.

Click here for Sunday's results summary

Maxim Gorky kicks of busy week for liner traffic

The cruise liner Maxim Gorky is in Kirkwall Bay on Monday for a short visit to the county.

The vessel, with a passenger capacity of 600,left for Reykjavik at 1pm.

It is a busy week for liners this week, with nine expected between Monday and Friday.

Motorist hospitalised after Finstown accident

A motorist was taken to hospital in Kirkwall on Saturday afternoon after a two vehicle accident in Finstown.

The accident occurred around 2.30pm in the afternoon. The hospitalised motorist was detained overnight for observation, while the driver of the other car was uninjured.

2001