Two of Orkney’s most popular tourist attractions are poised to land a major investment boost.
Revamps are to be carried out at Orkney Museum and the St Magnus Cathedral after they were earmarked funding from the Kirkwall Townscape Heritage initiative (KTHI).
At the museum, a new exhibition will tell the story of the “Evolution of Kirkwall”, featuring a mixture of new material and the reuse of some of the museum’s most important artefacts.
The second project will see improved visitor information in St Magnus Cathedral, using unobtrusive, digital technology.
The project aims to enhance people’s understanding and ‘bring to life’ lesser known parts of the landmark, which was first built in 1137 and is the UK’s most northerly cathedral.
Both schemes are being led by Orkney Islands Council’s arts, museum and heritage service.
The local authority would not disclose the amount of funding involved last night as the projects will soon go out to tender.
Karen Greaves, the council’s head of leisure and lifelong learning, said: “This will be the first major investment in the Tankerness House exhibitions for a number of years and is a great opportunity to create a new quality standard for Orkney Museum.
“In addition, using digital technology to explain the cathedral’s history will enhance and widen its appeal even further.”
Richard Ritch, the KTHI manager, said: “Alongside our investment in Kirkwall’s built heritage these two projects will help to increase the understanding and knowledge of Kirkwall’s history in new and exciting ways.”
The KTHI runs until 2019 and is funded by Historic Environment Scotland, The Heritage Lottery Fund and Orkney Islands Council.