Fair Isle Bird Obs rebuild halted as builders appoint administrators
The rebuild of internationally-renowned Fair Isle Bird Observatory, following a devasting fire in 2019, has been halted after builders call in administrators.
The builders Lighthouse/IDMH have lodged a Notice to Appoint an Administrator and have currently stopped working at the Observatory site. They are not in administration but are considering their options on how they go forward as a company.
The new facility was being constructed on the same site, after an initial £2.35m funding package from the Scottish government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Douglas Barr, chairman of the observatory trust said, “This is particularly frustrating given we now have a wind and watertight building and were in the process of completing the internals which were scheduled to be finished this autumn.”
“Before we able to continue, there are a number of legal, financial and practical issues that will have to be attended to. This means that unfortunately we will not be reopening this year. As and when we are able to, we will post updates on our progress to fully completing the rebuild of the Obs.”
2 April 2024
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