Orcadians have an opportunity to see round the  new £9million care home in Stromness tomorrow, Friday 24th of January.

The new care home to replace St Peter’s is called Hamnavoe House and it will be open between 10am and 2pm  and again between 6pm and 8pm.

Rachael King, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Orkney Health and Care Committee, said:

“Although St Peter’s has served the community well for many years, a new care home for Stromness has been an aspiration for local people.

“Hamnavoe House has modern, state-of-the-art facilities and will provide residents with the highest standards of care in wonderful surroundings – with stunning views across the busy harbour to the town.

“I think folk will be very impressed when they come along for the open day. All involved are looking to providing a warm welcome for residents and staff when they move to their new home.”

James Stockan, OIC Leader and a councillor for Stromness and the South Isles,added:

“I am very pleased that a long term ambition for Stromness has been fulfilled and that future provision for older folk in need of residential accommodation has been secured through this project.

“The building itself is a tremendous achievement – the design reflecting the distinctive harbour-side properties across the water in the historic heart of Stromness.”

Construction was carried out by Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd. The two-year construction project was completed on time.

The new care home will have 30 beds when it opens, but has sufficient space for 10 more to be made available at a later date.

High Quality Care for the Residents of the New St Peter’s House Stromness

Innova’s Bob Oliver with the Airglide Hoist

Rachel King said:

“Hamnavoe House will touch the lives of local families for many years to come. As our population grows older, we will be able to respond in future if the requirement for accommodation becomes greater.”

The home’s name was selected after a community effort. Local school children suggested names, Stromness Community Council whittled these down to a shortlist – and a public vote was held during the ‘What’s Next for Stromness’ public consultation events in 2019.

The Friends of St Peter’s have donated a ‘Polycrub’ – a cross between a greenhouse and a polytunnel – which has been put in place ready to get gardening efforts at Hamnavoe House underway.

There are people in Orkney looking at other ways to respond to continuing to live independently as they grow older : Hope Senior Cohousing: A First For Orkney

Photo M Bell