The opening date of the new Fair Isle Bird Observatory in Shetland has been pushed back due to delays with the rebuild process.
A £7.4 million project to renovate the popular tourist attraction and research centre was launched after a devastating fire destroyed the building in March 2019.
The new facility is expected to boost the island’s economy and the community’s aspirations to become carbon-neutral by 2040.
It will include 29 guest rooms for staff and visitors – more than half the island’s population of 50 – and create seven green jobs.
The original plan was to open the new facility in spring next year. However, the date has now been moved back to the autumn of 2023.
Douglas Barr, chairman of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, who are leading the project, said: “While we are now making good progress on the site itself, there is still considerable work to be undertaken before the observatory is completed.
“This will take some time particularly given the increased challenges we now face regarding weather.”
Recruitment to start in early spring
Mr Barr said bookings will not be taken until late spring 2023 at the earliest.
“The exact dates for both will be announced in due course on our website, and members of Friends of Fair Isle will receive advance notification of them,” he added.
“As regards the recruitment of new permanent staff, this process will now be undertaken in early spring 2023.
“In due course, we will contact all persons who have already indicated an interest to inform them of the relevant dates.”
First established in 1948, the bird observatory’s previous building was completed in 2011.
The new facility is now being constructed from modular units, and the first delivery of six took place in October after a significant weather delay.
Earlier this week, Shetland Islands Council’s harbour master Greg Maitland told elected members that not all relevant paperwork was submitted for the barge transfer from Kirkwall.
But the bird observatory trust had engaged positively with the authorities since concern was raised, councillors were told.
The remaining 34 modules are due to be taken to Fair Isle on smaller boats in reduced numbers due to weather constraints.
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