Euro 2024 ‘fanzone’ planned for storage yard with five-metre screen in Kirkwall

A storage yard in Kirkwall looks set to become a football “fanzone” in time for this summer’s European Championships.

Plans are in the works for the former Jewson’s yard, on Great Western Road in the middle of Kirkwall, to be used as an outdoor entertainment space, with a marquee, bar, hot food takeaway, and toilet block.

The focal point will be a huge five-metre LED screen, which will be used to show the games being played in the UEFA Euro 2024 competition.

So far the proposed schedule has all the games featuring either Scotland or England being shown, starting with Germany vs Scotland on the June 14.

The planning documents for the fanzone, which are still waiting for a decision, also state that the space may be used for outdoor cinema and a retro videogame competitions.

There may also be live music before the football games, but not after.

Kit Bichan, from Kirkwall, is behind the plans. Many Orcadians will know him as one of the faces behind the popular Beiting & Brew food van.

He said: “I had just watched Scotland officially qualify last year and started enquiring about former Jewson’s yard that had effectively been used for fantastic events in the past, including ‘T in the Yard’ and Katie Tunstall gigs.

“For me, it was there or nowhere.

“So it was fortunate that the owner of the yard not only said yes but was quite excited by the prospect.

“I got to work early this year securing a massive screen, marquee, stage, toilet block, and, of course, Beiting and Brew will be utilised.

“Now I’m just working on getting all the permits to make it go ahead.

“I had always wanted to do outdoor cinema but the cost of the screen could never justify the cause.

“Now, with a stronger foundation, we can do it! The hardest part will be choosing the right film.

Mr Bichan: “It would also be great to use the space for the island games next year.

“Really, the plans can be an exact blueprint and precursor to what happens next year.”