NILPS funding supported renovation work to The Smithy, in Balfour Village. Shapinsay Development Trust bought the building from Orkney Islands Council in 2022 and work got underway later that year with the grand opening of the cafe on the ground floor in June 2023, followed by the refreshed heritage centre on the first floor in August 2023. As the name suggests the building was a former Smithy with a sail loft on the first floor. It had run for a number of years as the island heritage centre and cafe, but the condition of the building had been deteriorating with dampness and high energy bills causing difficulties for the heritage group on the first floor and various operators of cafe downstairs. Island builder Steven Bews was awarded the contract to carry out the renovation works that included improved insulation, installing LED lighting, damp proofing and installing air to air source heating and restoration of the external stairs.
Find out more about the Shapinsay Heritage Centre here
To keep up to date with heritage centre and cafe opening hours follow the links below:
The Smithy - Shapinsay and Shapinsay Heritage, Arts & Crafts website
Shapinsay Heritage Centre | History | Orkney.com and The Smithy Cafe & Restaurant | Orkney.com