Orkney Fisheries Association  have received funding from EMFF European Maritime Fisheries Fund, Scottish Government, Seafarers UK and The  Scottish Fishermen’s Trust  as well as help from OFA and OPO  to enable a new multi- use building to be  constructed behind the crane shed on Kirkwall Pier.

The building will offer secure, dry storage for all fishermen’s gear which is currently contained inside Heras fenced pens on the site. A small office area and a welfare room for Fishermen’s charity and relief work will also form part of the building’s functions.

Work is due to start on 19th of September when contractors, Casey Construction Ltd will fence off the building footprint and set up their offices behind the weigh bridge.

The construction phase will avoid the busy cruise liner season but autumn brings  haulage pressure from the livestock shipments. All parties are working hard to ensure that traffic and users can operate with minimum disruption on the pier during the construction period but there may inevitably be some inconvenience at times for other  users.

Fiona Matheson secretary to OFA said:

‘This building is long overdue and will provide safe areas for fishermen to store , repair and handle their catches under the shelter of a purpose designed building.

“A huge amount of help and good will has gone in to bringing this very complex  project to its construction phase, in particular from OIC staff.

“We would just like to urge users of the pier to bear with us during the construction phase and hope that the building will be nearing completion early in 2020.

“Anyone who has any difficulties should contact myself at the OFA office on Kirkwall Pier 01856871818 or harbour staff and we will do our best to help resolve any problems.”

Photo Kirkwall Harbour K Armet