OHS Action

Orkney Heritage Society regret to announce that due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 there will be no excursion to Eynhallow in 2021.

We are hoping that the next trip in 2022 will go ahead.

In the meantime OHS are hoping to host an online talk about Eynhallow some time in 2021. Details to follow.

The 2020 Laura Grimond Award for Architectural Projects has been given to Robbie and Emma Thomson for their outstanding restoration of a long derelict Grade B Listed eighteenth century house and farm buildings at Hestikelday in Holm. The Thomsons use of recycled material, rather than buying new, sets this project apart and emphasizes the merits of recognising their achievement by presenting them with this award.

OHS Vice President, Sheena Wenham presenting Robbie Thomson with a framed certificate and Emma Thomson receiving her certificate from OHS Chairman, Spencer Rosie.

Hestikelday is still a work in progress with the kiln and peat store currently being restored.Many people will be familiar with the property, having featured on TV earlier this year on the Orkney and Shetland episode of ‘Scotland’s Home of the Year’.

The Laura Grimond Award was established in 1999 in memory of Laura Grimond, with the aim of encouraging and promoting excellence in the built environment of Orkney, a subject dear to her heart. It was originally run as a competition, with nominations being submitted. The difficulty of obtaining qualified judges meant it fell into abeyance for a few years. The award was re-established in 2019, with the Board of OHS giving out an occasional award to a building development that contributes to preserving the architectural heritage of Orkney.

Orkney Heritage Society applauds the Thomsons for their high quality restoration of Hestikelday and look forward to seeing the completion of their works.