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North Ronaldsay Old Kirk (Former), Hollandstoun

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Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved. © Copyright and database right 2025. Public Sector Viewing Terms

General Details and Location

Category
RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
Name of Building
North Ronaldsay Old Kirk (Former)
Other Name(s)
Address
Hollandstoun
Locality
Postcode
Planning Authority
Divisional Area
Reference No
1956
Listing Category
B
OS Grid Ref
HY 75454 53225
Location Type
Rural
HS Reference No
5273

Description

Rectangular-plan rubble-built church with clash harling. The south elevation features 4 softwood windows, whilst a single storey vestry with gablehead stack projects from the west gable. The east gable features an off-centre square crenellated belltower in 3 stages, probably 1906 by T. S. Pearce. Each stage features a single rectangular window, with a louvred opening to the bell. The steeply pitched roof is in local slate pegged to battens. The interior features a massive and heavily decorated wooden pulpit in the south wall, and a panelled redwood lined ceiling.
Building Dates
1812; belltower
Architects
Unknown; TS. Pearce

Category of Risk and Development History

Condition
Fair
Category of Risk
Low
Exemptions to State of Risk
Field Visits
September 1998, 13/08/2009
Development History
December 1997: The church is disused and being marketed by the Church of Scotland. There are concerns that its unusual and interesting interior may be too greatly compromised by residential conversion. November 1998: SCT understands that the church is now under offer. It is subsequently purchased by an American, who subsequently sells it to a fellow countryman.
June 2009: Local planners report that the Church is one of the recepients of Heritage Grants from Orkney Council
August 2009: External inspection reveals that much of the glazing has been lost. Many of the empty panes are unboarded, therefore the building is not wind or watertight. Billy Muir of the North Ronaldsay Trust reports that the Trust have recently acquired the property.
May 2011: Local planners report restoration has commenced.
7 February 2024: North Ronaldsay Trust website notes the phased restoration of the building as part of their Kirks Project. The initial phase of external repairs has completed as has repair to the internal walls. The Trust aims to return the building to worship alongside the creation of multi-purpose space for local events. Condition moved from Poor to Fair.

Guides to Development

Conservation Area
Planning Authority Contact
PAC Telephone Number
01856 873535

Availability

Current Availability
Unknown
Appointed Agents
Price
Occupancy
Vacant
Occupancy Type
N/A
Present/Former Uses
Building Uses Information:
Present Use 1: N/A Former Use 1: Church/Convent/Monastery
Present Use 2: N/A Former Use 2: N/A
Name of Owners
North Ronaldsay Trust
Type of Ownership
Community

Information Services

Additional Contacts/Information Source
Bibliography
Burgher (1991), p100; Gifford (1992), p347; Hay (1957), p267.
Online Resources
Classification
Churches and Chapels
Original Entry Date
18-DEC-97
Date of Last Edit
08/02/2024