Distillery work sees Kirkwall-Holm road close tomorrow

A diversion for drivers will be put in place tomorrow evening, Thursday, when the Highland Park Distillery replaces the pipe bridge that crosses the main road from Kirkwall to Holm.

The pipe bridge is used to supply whisky from the distillery to a loading bay for tankers. It also carries electrical and fuel supplies between distillery buildings on either side of the road.

The section of the A961 Kirkwall to Holm Road, in front of the distillery, will be closed from 6pm on Thursday and according to the OIC, is expected to re-open around 6pm on Friday.

Drivers travelling from Kirkwall will be diverted along the A960, past the airport towards St Andrews School.

The diversion will continue along the B9052 past Hurtiso and then past Graemeshall until it meets the A961 near St Mary’s.

Drivers travelling to Kirkwall from Holm will follow the same diversion, but in the opposite direction.

Those living along or near south of Highland Park on the A961 will also need to use the diversion. It will be “access only” through Heathery Loan.