Work under way on North Ronaldsay airfield building

North Ronaldsay residents and visitors will benefit from a new airfield building from early next year.

Work is now under way on the island to construct the new building, which will include a new watch room for the fire crew, a new garage area for the fire vehicle, a new waiting room and new toilet facilities.

The building is being constructed following feedback from the Civil Aviation Authority, who suggested moving the building to the South to give the fire crew a clearer view of the runway.

The work is being carried out by a local building firm and the building was designed by OIC architects.

This project is the latest in a series of work to improve Orkney’s council-owned and run airfields. Work completed already includes the purchase of new fire vehicles, the resurfacing of Stronsay and Papay runways and the installation of new landing equipment in North Ronaldsay which has allowed for night flying in the winter.

Work on a new Sanday terminal will also get under way in 2016.

North Isles councillor, and vice-chairman of the development and infrastructure committee, Graham Sinclair said: “Over the last few years, the council has committed to a number of projects to improve our airfields.  The air service to and from our North Isles is vital to residents and visitors alike and it’s therefore important that the infrastructure is fit for purpose. I look forward to using the new building when it is completed.”