Many of Orkney’s ancient sites and structures will be undergoing essential maintenance checks over the coming weeks. This means that access may be limited or not possible while those inspections are being undertaken.

The sites in Orkney being inspected include: 

• Noltland Castle 
• Pierowall Church 
• Westside Church 
• Midhowe Broch 
• Midhowe Cairns building 
• St Magnus Church 
• St Mary’s Chapel 
• Cobbie Row’s Castle 
• Eynhallow Church 
• Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall 
• Earl’s Palace, Birsay 

Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said:

“Orkney is home to some of Scotland’s most significant and diverse heritage sites, spanning 5,000 years of history, and these inspections will allow us to assess and mitigate the impact that climate change and other factors has had on them.  

“Visitors will continue to enjoy access to the sites while the inspections are ongoing, where it is safe to do so, and I encourage anyone who is interested in this work to engage with the inspection teams while they are on-site to find out more about what the work involves and why it is an important aspect in the care of these world-renowned heritage assets.” 

As part of its nationwide High-Level Masonry Programme, HES has carried out 39 full inspections at sites across the country since May last year. To find out more visit: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/inspections  

The High-Level Masonry Programme is assessing the condition of higher-level structures at historic sites following deterioration caused by climate change and a number of other factors, including the materials used in the building’s construction, its age and physical location. Whilst this is not an issue unique to Scotland, HES is believed to be amongst the first heritage managers to approach it in this way and is sharing findings with peer organisations.