Costa del Kirkwall – a summer sensation!

Over 2,500 people flocked to the Costa del Kirkwall Broad Street Sands over the past five days – with the event hailed a “sensational summer success”.

Laura Bruce, Manager of Kirkwall BID, said: “Over 2,500 visitors came to enjoy Broad Street Sands, building sandcastles, hunting for Groatie Buckies, and relaxing with friends and family in our deckchairs. 

“They also enjoyed pitting their wits against our fiendishly difficult crazy golf course.  Normally County Show would have been happening this weekend, and it’s been great to put a smile on so many faces, young and old, and to bring a buzz – and extra customers – to our member businesses.”

The Council’s Community Learning and Development team were also involved teaming up with Kirkwall BID to promote young people making the most of their Young Scot card and shopping locally.

Oliver Henderson of CLD added: “It’s fantastic that around a dozen of our young people were able to volunteer for this fun community event.  From setting up the beach and golf course each day, to helping hundreds of visitors enjoy themselves while keeping safe and healthy, this has been an enjoyable as well as educational experience.  I’d like to thank everyone who volunteered for contributing so much.”

Laura Bruce added: “We have many people to thank: Kirkwall BID board members and representatives from other businesses, Ortak for providing the beautiful copper Groatie Buckies, the brilliant young volunteers from Community Learning and Development and the Orkney Youth Forum, as well as reps from Greener Orkney, VAO, the Rotary Club, and White Ribbon Orkney.

“Orkney Builders deserve a special thank you for lending us 50 tons of golden sand, and a specially constructed “tank” to stop it blowing away, as well as safety barriers.  They also donated hours of staff time to put it all together and take it apart and clean up at the end. NorthLink kindly transported a van of deckchairs and an entire golf course from Aberdeen free of charge.

“Above all, I’d like to thank the Orkney public for coming out to support our first ever Costa del Kirkwall.  It has been an enormous pleasure and privilege to help keep the heart in Kirkwall with this unique event.”