Rising from the ashes: Appeal to rebuild bird observatory

A fundraiser has been launched to contribute to the cost of rebuilding a renowned bird observatory on a remote Shetland island.

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory was destroyed by fire in March of last year after a blaze broke out in its roof space.

A crowdfunding appeal has started, with an aim of raising at least £650,000 towards construction work.

Author Ann Cleeves, whose crime novels are set in the islands, is at the heart of the campaign.

Ms Cleeves, who first visited Fair Isle more than 40 years ago to work in the observatory kitchen, said: “Even then, I understood how important the observatory was to the island and the islanders.

“Fair Isle is a thriving community that keeps alive its traditions while being open-minded and open-hearted to visiting strangers.

“The loss of the building to fire was a tragedy, given its central role in supporting employment and providing a place where islanders and visitors can meet to share stories and expertise.

“We now hope to replace it with a building that is even more relevant to the island’s future and hope that you can help us in any way you can.”

The funds will go towards the £7.4m cost of the new building, which will be the fifth observatory on the island.

The building will have improved accommodation – more guest rooms and better fittings – for students, volunteers and young people to progress both educationally and career-wise.

Roy Dennis, president of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, said: “I was appalled when I saw the flames destroying our famous bird observatory in March 2019, but I knew then, immediately, that we would build a new one in exactly the same place – like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

“Our trustees have worked hard, and even with the difficulties of the pandemic, new designs and plans are ready, but we have a very worrying shortfall in funding.”