Sumburgh lighthouse contract awarded

NORTHERN Irish builders Corramore Construction Ltd have been named as the main contractor for the £5.4 million redevelopment of the Sumburgh Lighthouse redevelopment.

The project, led by Shetland Amenity Trust, aims to refurbish the Stevenson lighthouse and turn it into a first class visitor attraction including interpretive centre and accommodation, all on top of one of Britain’s most accessible bird colonies.

The trust said that Corramore would be on site by the end of May with completion scheduled for early 2014.

Corramore Construction, who describe themselves as “developers with a difference”, were established in 1999 and have previously been involved in the refurbishment of listed buildings. 

Director Adrian McIvor said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract and were looking forward to working in Shetland.

“Corramore actively support ‘partnering’ arrangements with our sub-contractors and suppliers and this results in all parties working together to achieve agreed goals to the benefit of all concerned.”

Amenity trust general manager Jimmy Moncrieff said that awarding this contract was a big day for the isles.

“We have been working towards this point for 12 years, and we are confident that Corromore will deliver quality workmanship, on time, and within budget,” he said.

The Sumburgh Head project is a partnership between the amenity trust and bird charity RSPB, in cooperation with the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Of the £5.4 million project cost, almost £4 million has been sourced from outwith Shetland.

The main funders are Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP); European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); Heritage Lottery Fund; Historic Scotland; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; Scottish Natural Heritage; The Wolfson Foundation; Shetland Islands Council; Shetland Amenity Trust and the RSPB.