Stromness Town Hall Update

Efforts are underway at the Town Hall in Stromness to eradicate rats which have recently found their way into the building.

A rat was spotted by a keen-eyed member of cleaning staff last week, with pest control and building inspectors immediately mobilised to tackle and investigate the issue.  

Investigations suggest that the rodents have only found their way into the building recently.  

Pest control will now continue to monitor traps on site - and work will also be getting underway to strip back the kitchen and other internal fittings to identify the extent of any damage caused.  

Garry Burton is the Council's Head of Active Communities.  He said: "Anyone who has been in the unfortunate position of having to deal with rats in a property will know that even a small number of rats can cause a huge amount of damage in a relatively short period of time. 

"Initial investigations have found damage to pipework in the kitchen and we suspect there may be some internal damage to the walls as well. 

"We acted quickly and decisively but unfortunately there will be an extended period of closure for the facility – possibly into the New Year – whilst we assess and rectify the damage and take the opportunity to carry out any further minor works to the building during this period – with the aim of getting this much-loved building ship shape and back into use in January." 

User groups and others with bookings have been contacted by the Council – including upcoming weddings in the facility which have been offered alternative use of Stromness Academy. 

The Stromness Town Hall was built in 1890–92 by Samuel Baikie and became known as the North Kirk. After ecclesiastical use ended, the building was adapted as a public hall.