Plans are moving forward for a major refurbishment of the historic organ at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall after a tender document was published on 15 December 2025 inviting specialist firms to bid for the work.
The project will focus on restoring the cathedral’s organ, which was built in 1925 by Henry Willis and Sons and is located at floor level behind a decorative screen designed by George Mackie Watson.
While the instrument receives regular maintenance to keep it in good musical condition, it has not undergone a full refurbishment for more than 50 years.
The work will be delivered in partnership with The Society of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral, with the overall project valued at £500,000 following assessment by an organ specialist.
Cathedral officials say the refurbishment is essential to ensure the long term future of an instrument that plays a central role in worship and community life.
Fran Hollinrake, Cathedral Curator, said:
“The proposed restoration of the organ would ensure that it will remain in good order for years to come.
“The organ is a significant part of the cathedral’s culture, being used for regular worship, supporting the choir and congregational singing, and also for weddings, funerals, recitals, tree lightings, St Magnus Festivals, and more.
“The proposed refurbishment would establish the organ as a world class instrument, and as well as local use, it might also attract organists who want to play it.”
A tender document has now gone live on Public Contracts Scotland, inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors to carry out the refurbishment.
The deadline for submissions is 31 March at 12:00.
As part of the wider project, a video has also been produced featuring Fran Hollinrake and Les Donaldson, Secretary to the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral, explaining the importance of the organ and why the work is needed.
St Magnus Cathedral is of international significance and has stood at the heart of Kirkwall for almost nine centuries.
Founded in 1137, the cathedral was built from local red and yellow sandstone and is predominantly Romanesque in style.
It is dedicated to St Magnus, Earl of Orkney, who lived in the 12th century when Orkney was part of the Kingdom of Norway.
Magnus was killed on the orders of his cousin Hakon, after which many miracles were reported.
Construction of the cathedral began under Magnus’s nephew Rognvald, who commissioned the fine minster in honour of his uncle, whose relics remain interred within a pillar of the choir.
Over the centuries, the building has survived religious upheaval, Cromwellian troops and wartime threats.
Today, it is recognised as the most complete medieval cathedral in Scotland.
Those involved in the project say restoring the organ will help safeguard not just a musical instrument, but a vital part of the cathedral’s living heritage for generations to come.
