Kirkwall prepares for torch relay

The Olympic flame is scheduled to reach Orkney tomorrow, Sunday, as the local leg of the nationwide torch relay takes place.

The torch will leave from in front of St Magnus Cathedral at around 9am, taking a route around Kirkwall, and eventually reaching the Pickaquoy Centre Athletics track, just after 10am.

There, the ‘Orkney Cauldron’ will be lit and further celebrations will take place, including a free open-air concert, featuring a variety of local musicians.

A specially commissioned song to mark the occasion, written by pupils from schools in the county, with assistance from Brian Cromarty and Douglas Montgomery will be premiered at the event.

There are currently 17 people from the local community who have been named as official torchbearers.

Orkney Islands Council is hoping that people will get involved and support the relay. They are also advising members of the public to be aware of a number of road closures and parking restrictions which will be in place between 6am and 12 noon tomorrow.

Further information on this and the route of the torch can be found on the Council website – www.orkney.gov.uk