Architect appointed for Fair Isle observatory rebuild

An architect has been appointed to plan the rebuilding of Fair Isle Bird Observatory after it burned down earlier this year.

The internationally renowned observatory in Shetland – one of the best rarity hot-spots in Britain and Ireland – was destroyed in March after a fire broke out. No decisions have yet been made about the layout or construction of the new observatory.

Fair Isle Bird Observatory was destroyed by a fire in March (Julian Paren / Flickr.com).

However, the directors hope to have detailed drawings ready for a planning application in early spring next year. The aim is to have the new observatory built in time for the 2021 season.

Director Karen Hall said it was an opportunity to make it even better than it was before. In September, a project manager was appointed for the rebuild with Susan Clark, of Great Glen Consulting, taking up the post. She was also the project manager for the revamped electricity scheme on the island.

Fair Isle Bird Observatory was razed to the ground following a catastrophic fire that tore through the building on Sunday 10 March this year. No one was injured in the blaze, including warden David Parnaby, his wife Susannah and their family, but the damage was so extensive that, ultimately, the entire building is reported to have collapsed in on itself.