A community venue in Stromness, Orkney Islands, will remain closed through the end of 2026 as officials work to eliminate a rat infestation and repair the damage the rodents have caused to the building's infrastructure.
Orkney Islands Council confirmed that pest control specialists are undertaking extensive work at the former church building, including setting traps and systematically dismantling kitchen fixtures and other internal components to fully evaluate the scope of deterioration caused by the infestation.
Garry Burton, head of active communities for the council, outlined the damage discovered during initial assessments.
Initial investigations have found damage to pipework in the kitchen and we suspect there may be some internal damage to the walls as well,he said. The council stated it had responded
quickly and decisivelyupon discovering the problem, though the remediation process would require considerable time to
assess and rectify the damage.
Burton indicated that officials are targeting January 2027 as the anticipated reopening date for the facility, contingent on the completion of all necessary repairs and pest elimination efforts.
The infestation came to the attention of council staff when a rat was observed by a member of the cleaning team during the previous week. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation into the extent of the problem and the contamination within the building.
Impact on community events and celebrations
The Stromness Town Hall serves as a vital venue for numerous community activities, hosting everything from local gatherings and cultural events to concerts and wedding ceremonies. The extended closure will significantly disrupt the social calendar for residents and those who had booked the space for upcoming occasions.
In response to the closure, Orkney Islands Council has proactively contacted all groups and individuals with scheduled bookings at the hall, including couples with planned weddings. The council has offered Stromness Academy as an alternative venue to accommodate these events during the period when the town hall remains unavailable.
History of the building
The Stromness Town Hall has served the community for over a century. Constructed between 1890 and 1892 by architect Samuel Baikie, the building was originally designed and used as the North Kirk, functioning as a place of worship. Following the conclusion of its ecclesiastical purpose, the structure was repurposed and converted into a public hall, allowing it to serve the broader community for cultural, social, and civic functions.
What happens next
The council will continue monitoring the pest control efforts and structural assessments throughout the remainder of 2026. Officials anticipate providing further updates on the restoration progress as the January 2027 target date approaches, with the goal of returning the historic venue to full operational capacity for community use.
