History / High winds cause wall of historic Olnafirth kirk to collapse
The SIC has now applied to demolish the affected wall
THE DEMOLITION of part of the historic old kirk in Voe is being sought on safety grounds after a wall collapsed in recent high winds.
Part of the north elevation wall of the B-listed church, which featured an arched entrance, collapsed earlier this year.
The old Olnafirth kirk is thought to have been built around 1700.
Located in the boundary of the old Voe graveyard, the building is now a roofless stone shell.
After the recent wind damage Shetland Islands Council has applied for consent to demolish the affected wall, which had already been leaning before falling apart.
The council has also been recommended to introduce propping to the remaining east and west elevation walls.
The building already had ‘danger: keep out’ signs before the wall’s collapse.
A structural inspection was previously carried out in 2022, and it found significant cracks and movement of walls.
As the building is located within the old Voe graveyard, it is assumed the council has responsibility for it.
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.