Area of sludge to be transformed for public with life-size whale sculpture

The area is next to a coastal strip will feature a picnic area with picnic tables and other seating.

Area of sludge in Orkney to be transformed for public with life-size whale sculpture LDRS

An area of sludge in Orkney is being transformed into a picnic area with a life-size whale sculpture.

The Scottish Water sludge drying and storage area in Sanday, Orkney is to be converted into the public space with seating and parking.

Earlier this week Orkney council’s planning department granted permission for Scottish Water’s plans to go ahead at the site near Cross Cemetary, Howe Road on the island.

The area, which is part of the coastal strip next to the beach at Backaskaill Bay, will feature a picnic area with picnic tables and other seating.

Interpretation boards featuring information about a whale stranding and local farmer and folklorist Walter Trail Dennison will also be built

The planning papers for the site.

Another prominent feature will be a 12m-long, “life-size outline of a sperm whale”.

It’s noted in the plans that more detail about the whale sculpture is still to be agreed upon with the community.

The site will also provide visitor parking for the area.

In a supporting statement, Scottish Water has said it no longer needs the area for its former use, as part of its water treatment works sludge strategy.

Having consulted with Sanday’s community, the company decided converting it into a picnic area would be the best use for the space.

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