Residents in Kirkwall have backed proposals for three Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) schemes in the town.

A total of 146 of people took part in a recent questionnaire during a two-day drop in event indicating their level of support for Kirkwall THI's 'Places and Spaces' project.

The scheme proposes making changes to the head of Castle Street, head of Victoria Street and the War Memorial path.

95% of respondents strongly supported or supported proposals for the War Memorial, which will create a path up from the steps at Broad Street and widen pathways along the cemetery wall leading to the monument.


In addition, around 68% strongly supported or supported the proposals at the heads of Castle Street and Victoria Street, which aims to draw pedestrians into and between the two areas.

Around £650,000 is available for the Places and Spaces ideas.

Richard Ritch, project manager for the Kirkwall THI, said: "The two drop-ins were well publicised in advance and we were flat out over the two days talking people through the thinking behind the plans.

"We have some really good feedback and comments – including from people who weren’t supportive of all aspects of the proposals – which will help us as the project progresses."

A detailed report on the consultation will be discussed at Orkney Islands Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in late November.



(LM)