Drivers in Kirkwall are being warned to expect potential delays on Tuesday 1 April as routine inspections get underway at St Magnus Cathedral.
A crane will be brought in to carry out detailed surveys on the West Front and North Side of the historic building.
Broad Street may be reduced to a single lane at points between 6am and 5pm, depending on the weather.
The work follows similar checks recently completed at Kirkwall Town Hall, another key property under the care of the Council.
The Cathedral itself will remain open throughout the inspections.
Visitors will be asked to use the Bishop’s Door on the South side, which also provides disabled access.
Access to the graveyard will be restricted, with barriers in place on the North side and entry limited to the South.
Council Heritage Manager Meredith Macbeth confirmed that this is a standard inspection to assess the condition of the ancient structure.
She said the crane gives surveyors access to areas normally out of reach, allowing immediate repairs if needed.
The last time the North side of the Cathedral was surveyed was in 2018.
Drone surveys, while helpful, do not allow for real-time repairs, making this hands-on approach essential.
The aim is to ensure any urgent issues are dealt with quickly while planning for long-term maintenance.
St Magnus Cathedral, begun in 1137, is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most treasured medieval buildings.
Constructed from striking red and yellow sandstone, it showcases a predominantly Romanesque style.
It was commissioned by Rognvald in honour of his uncle, St Magnus, who was martyred in a brutal power struggle for Orkney.
Legend tells of miracles following Magnus’s death, and his relics still lie in the choir’s stone pillars.
The Cathedral has survived centuries of upheaval including the Reformation, Cromwell’s occupation and two World Wars.
It remains the most complete example of a medieval cathedral in Scotland.
Despite the ongoing works, visitors can still enjoy the full experience by exploring the interactive map on the Cathedral’s website.
The survey is expected to cause minimal disruption, but drivers are advised to plan ahead.
With the Cathedral’s doors still open, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with Orkney’s spiritual and architectural heart.
