Groattie Hoose removal under way

The Groattie Hoose this week (Picture: Kenny Pirie)

The first pieces of the Groattie Hoose have been removed in preparation for its removal to Tankerness House Gardens.

Leslie Burgher of Pentarq, which is supervising the project, said: “It is going slowly and carefully as it is important that we get it right.

“A lot of it has been a mystery to us until we began taking it apart.“We are taking off a section at a time and each section needs a special frame manufactured to lift it off.

“The stones are all numbered so they can be put back together in the right order at the other end.

“It is great how much excitement is being stirred with this project.”

The Groattie Hoose, currently stands in a square behind the former Tods of Orkney bakery in Kirkwall’s Bridge Street.

It was built, in 1730, by James Traill. Some of the ballast from Pirate Gow’s ship, The Revenge, which grounded at the Calf of Eday, was used for the roof.