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.
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