OIC to hold care facility drop-in event

Orkney Islands Council is holding a drop-in event to give people the opportunity to find out about the site selection process for the new Kirkwall care facility.

The aim of the project is to provide a purpose-built, high-quality care home as a replacement for St Rognvald House.

It will incorporate the modern features required to deliver care to the highest standards for Orkney’s older people.

A detailed assessment has been carried out involving a range of potential sites in the Kirkwall area.

The site which scored as the most suitable for the facility is Soulisquoy, which was formally known as Corse West.

Two other sites also ranked well. These were Muddisdale and an area of land at Weyland Farm

The drop-in event is at the St Magnus Centre in Kirkwall on Wednesday, December 9, from 12 noon to 7pm.

Caroline Sinclair, chief officer for health and social care, said: “It will give people the chance to see how the assessment process was carried out and why these three sites emerged as the leading candidates.

“Providing new care facilities in Kirkwall and Stromness demonstrates a commitment to quality care provision.

“This has been welcomed by residents, their families and staff. Our intention is to press ahead with the project as soon as we can.”

A decision on the site for the new Kirkwall care facility will be made by the council next year.

It is due to be completed and operational by the summer of 2019.