Funding boost for Kirkwall conservation area

Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the award of £1.2 million from Historic Scotland to support the regeneration of Kirkwall’s historic town centre.

The funding — for a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) — will be used for projects including building restoration and repairs in the heart of Kirkwall.

It will also support a number of training initiatives to enable contractors, local people and visitors to learn about traditional methods of building repair, and help them engage with the town’s unique heritage.

The Kirkwall Conservation Area covers Main Street, Victoria Street, Broad Street, Watergate, Palace Road, Albert Street, St Olaf’s Wynd, Broad Street and Harbour Street.