Fire damages new Birsay hall

Firefighters from Kirkwall and Stromness were called to a fire at the new Birsay Community Centre yesterday, Sunday.

According to the Highlands and Islands Fire Service, the hall, which is under construction, suffered severe fire damage to the main switch gear room for the wind turbines, moderate fire damage to the roof void and smoke damage to the interior of the building.

The emergency services were alerted after a smoke was reported coming from the building at 1.46pm on Sunday. The fire was under control by 3.12pm and fire service appliances were on the scene until 4.50pm.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.