Stromness Town Hall could remain closed until the New Year after rats were discovered inside the historic building, with council officials now investigating damage to pipework and potentially internal walls.
Orkney Islands Council confirmed on Wednesday 14 October that pest control specialists and building inspectors had been called in after a member of the cleaning staff spotted a rat last week.
Initial investigations suggest the rodents only recently entered the building, but the discovery has already prompted concerns about the extent of the damage they may have caused.
Pest control teams are monitoring traps throughout the property, while preparations are being made to remove kitchen fittings and other internal fixtures to establish what repairs are required.
The first inspections have identified damage to kitchen pipework, with officials also concerned that the rats may have caused problems within the walls.
For a building that has served generations of Stromness residents, the interruption comes at a difficult time, with community activities and private bookings now affected.
The Council has contacted organisations and individuals with existing reservations, including couples planning to celebrate their weddings at the Town Hall.
Alternative arrangements have been offered at Stromness Academy for wedding bookings, helping to ensure those celebrations can still go ahead.
Garry Burton, Orkney Islands Council’s Head of Active Communities, 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.”
The Council hopes to use the closure as an opportunity to undertake other minor improvements while the necessary repairs are being completed.
However, the extent of the damage will not be fully understood until the internal fittings have been removed and inspectors can examine areas currently hidden from view.
The discovery means the Town Hall will be unavailable for an extended period, although officials are working towards reopening the building in January.
Stromness Town Hall has been part of the town’s architectural and community life for more than 130 years.
Built between 1890 and 1892 by Samuel Baikie, the building was originally known as the North Kirk and served as a place of worship.
Following the end of its religious use, it was adapted into a public hall, becoming a familiar venue for community gatherings, celebrations and events.
Its continuing importance to Stromness is reflected in the Council’s commitment to restoring the building and returning it to public use.
For now, the priority is removing the infestation, establishing the full extent of the damage and carrying out the repairs needed to make the historic venue safe and usable once again.
