The Warehouse Buildings celebrates their 10th birthday

Date: 23 December 2025

Time: 02:00 PM

The Warehouse Buildings, Stromness, mark ten years as a community hub.

Orkney Islands Council is celebrating a significant milestone this year as the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness mark the 10th anniversary of their opening in 2015.

The Warehouse Buildings delivers first‑class support to customers accessing Council, community and library services.

Opening in 2015 as a modern community hub, the Warehouse Buildings house Stromness’s ‘one‑stop shop’, providing convenient access to a wide range of Council services. The development enabled Stromness Library to relocate to a fully accessible, purpose‑designed facility that continues to be well‑used.

The Warehouse Buildings were the first premises in Orkney to be fitted with a sea‑source heat pump, reflecting the Council’s long‑standing commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.

The original warehouse structure, from which the complex takes its name, dates back to 1760, when it was constructed to store rice imported from South Carolina during the Seven Years’ War.

The transformation of the historic site formed a key part of the Pier Head Regeneration Project, which brought a new lease of life to the heart of Stromness.

Until relocating to the Warehouse Building, Stromness Library had been located at the bottom of Hellihole Road since 1905. That building is now home to Solisquoy Printmakers, continuing its legacy as a creative space within the town.

Catherine Foubister, Customer Services Manager, said:

“Earlier this year, we proudly celebrated an incredible milestone - 10 years of delivering services from the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness. This multi-functional hub brings together council, library and police services under one roof, making it a pillar of community life. At the heart of it all is our dedicated team, whose commitment and friendly service make this space so welcoming. As we mark this achievement, we'd like to remind everyone of the wide range of services available at our Stromness service point - here to support you right in the heart of town.”

Below is a reminder of the wide range of services available at the Stromness one‑stop shop and Library.

Council Services:

Hire meeting rooms

Apply for a Blue Badge or RADAR key for accessible toilets

Apply for a National Entitlement Card (over 60s, disabled residents, Young Scot)

Make payments to the Council

Report a missed bin or road repair

Request repairs to a Council house

Access information on refuse and recycling collections

Request a special collection or replacement bin

Book a campsite or hostel

Collect a wide range of Council application forms

Receive advice about Council services

Access transport timetables and maps

Pick up visitor information leaflets

Access a public warm hub

Library Services:

Borrow books

Use public PCs

Access free public WiFi

Browse historic copies of The Orcadian in the George Mackay Brown Room

Enjoy quiet study spaces in bright, modern surroundings

Browse newspapers and magazines or meet friends in a welcoming environment

Visit the children’s area for books, Duplo, jigsaws, and colouring

Borrow children’s fancy‑dress costumes

Take part in the children’s area welly‑boot swap

Attend Bookbug sessions for babies and toddlers

Join regular reading groups and creative workshops for all ages

Explore the growing local history collection and digital heritage resources

Take part in seasonal events, author visits, and community storytelling sessions

Category:
- Community

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