Pipe band given the go-ahead for new practice space

Kirkwall City Pipe Band has been granted permission to turn a hall in Kirkwall’s Victoria Street into a tutoring and practice space.

The most recent use of the building, the Victoria Hall, was as a museum storage space.

Members of the OIC’s planning committee heard this morning that there had been one objection from a neighbour, who cited adverse impact of noise as the reason. However, the band will install secondary glazing and acoustic barriers.

Stephen Omand, the agent representing the applicant, told committee members that, over the years, the pipe band had used many different buildings for practice without any complaints, and that the new space was being sought as the band now have between 80 and 90 players or learners.