Fair Isle Bird Observatory hoping for spring 2025 reopening
Following a number of delays the rebuild of the new Fair Isle Bird Observatory is hoped to be completed by the spring of 2025. Douglas Barr, Chair of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust gave the following update recently.
We have now concluded a comprehensive review of all our options concerning the rebuild given that our builders entered administration and the problems that have ensued from that. Having considered matters at length ourselves and taken the advice of a number of consultants and interested parties, we have decided to proceed with the rebuild and we will become ourselves the principal contractors.
This we believe allows us the greatest control over the rebuild and will allow us to complete it in the most effective and efficient manner. It will entail us having to undertake considerable works ourselves and we are under no illusions at the difficulties we still face, but we are confident that this approach will enable us to complete the rebuild.
All the relevant consultants have been identified and engaged and similarly all the main works contractors. We have taken on the previous Project and Site Managers from the builders, and they bring a continuity and wealth of knowledge and experience to assist us. A new programme of works has been drawn up which envisages us completing the rebuild late this year, but no doubt it will be subject to revision for the inevitable delays that will arise that building on Fair Isle throws at you. Work has already recommenced, and we are making good progress.
It is anticipated that we will be able to reopen late next spring, however until we are certain of a reopening date we will not be taking any bookings. When we reopen for bookings, we will advertise this on our social media channels. Friends of Fair Isle will receive advance notification of this and will have first opportunity to make bookings.
Can we thank everyone for their patience during what has proved to be extremely challenging times to complete such a project as rebuilding the Observatory on Fair Isle. In particular, can we thank the Islanders for all their continuing support and assistance.
18 June 2024
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