Latest update at 8:00pm on 18 January 2024

With almost all roads in Orkney impassable tonight due to drifting snow, the Orkney Local Emergency Coordination Group have issued a plea to drivers to stay off the roads – and for those who are not already at home to find alternative accommodation.

Those who have friends and family arriving by NorthLink Ferries this evening have been urged not to travel in to Hatston to meet them from the ferry – and instead to contact them with a view to finding alternative accommodation in Kirkwall.

The situation on Orkney’s roads is extremely serious. As an example the Kirkwall to Stromness road is almost completely blocked at various parts – but almost all roads in Orkney, on the mainland and the isles are the same. We cannot stress this more strongly – do not travel tonight.

If you are already away from home find alternative accommodation – we are already seeing on social media people coming forward with offers of beds for the night, but we hope most will have friends and family they can stay with.

If people are unable to find accommodation – or know friends and family who are struggling – please reach out to the Orkney Islands Council Facebook page, who will gather details of those who are stuck. Likewise if you can offer accomodation.

Read more here – https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=8739