Bonhoga now planned to reopen in January

SHETLAND Arts is planning to reopen the Bonhoga gallery and cafe in January.

The Weisdale venue has been shut since late 2023 to allow for refurbishment work.

The extensive work has been carried out to make the building more energy efficient and accessible.

“I think what we’ve successfully done is secure Bonhoga as an asset for Shetland for the future,” Shetland Arts chief executive Graeme Howell said.

He also highlighted the funding given to the project from the Shetland Charitable Trust and the SIC-administered coastal communities fund.

“I think what we’re keen to do is make sure that Bonhoga is a very vibrant cultural asset, and how that develops over the next few years will be driven by usage,” Howell added.

“Our ambition will be driven by the ambition of Shetland.”

Director of creativity and impact Catriona Macdonald previously said an aim was to enhance the flexibility of the spaces in the building.

The reopening has fallen behind previous timescales, with Shetland Arts initially saying it had hoped it would be finished in 2024.

Local artist and designer Rhea Kay was appointed as Shetland Arts’ new Bonhoga and retail manager earlier this year.