Community / Papa Stour kirk restoration project celebrates £250,000 grant award
THE PAPA Stour community has received a massive boost in the form of a £250,000 grant towards the restoration and development of the island’s old kirk.
The money from the Scottish Government’s islands programme will help safeguard the building’s fabric and is part of a long-term project to ultimately provide the small island with a new community hub and visitor centre.
The grant award was announced by the government’s islands secretary Mairi Gougeon during a visit to Orkney on Thursday.
Papa Stour resident Andy Holt said the kirk restoration project was “community led” and involved all parties interested in the island’s heritage.
“The Papa Kirk as a listed building will still be used as a kirk alongside functioning as a community hub and visitor centre,” he said.
“The money is for phase one of the development which includes making the building wind and watertight and securing the structure.
“Phase two will include improved disabled access, toilets, a small kitchen area and interpretive centre.”
He expressed his gratitude to all funders and council officials who had helped the project, especially community worker Roselyn Fraser.
Meanwhile the Aald Skul project in South Nesting is receiving £88,095 from the same fund to invest in a new portable cabin, additional access and parking to allow the social enterprise to expand the range and volume of repaired and donated items it offers for sale.
In a statement the Scottish Government said: “This project is a strong replicable example of working towards net zero ambitions in a remote community and is a clear model of the circular economy in action.
“The Scrapstore strives to meet net zero ambitions through reducing travel and energy associated with disposing of goods which are still in good/repairable condition or with travelling to buy new items.
“This can help to reduce overall household expenses, and influence perception that the community can be an affordable place to live in comparison to other areas and centres.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
