Hamnavoe House open day

The new care home in Stromness will open its doors to the public for the first time later this week.

An open day will take place on Friday 24 January to give people the chance to take a look around Hamnavoe House. It will be open between 10:00 and 14:00 and again between 18:00 and 20:00.

The £9 million facility at Garson will replace St Peter’s House. Residents will move from the old to the new care home over the weeks ahead.

Rachael King, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Orkney Health and Care Committee, said: “Although St Peter’s has served the community well for many years, a new care home for Stromness has been an aspiration for local people.

“Hamnavoe House has modern, state-of-the-art facilities and will provide residents with the highest standards of care in wonderful surroundings – with stunning views across the busy harbour to the town.

“I think folk will be very impressed when they come along for the open day. All involved are looking to providing a warm welcome for residents and staff when they move to their new home.”

James Stockan, OIC Leader and a councillor for Stromness and the South Isles, said: “I am very pleased that a long term ambition for Stromness has been fulfilled and that future provision for older folk in need of residential accommodation has been secured through this project.

“The building itself is a tremendous achievement – the design reflecting the distinctive harbour-side properties across the water in the historic heart of Stromness.”

Construction was carried out by Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd. The two-year construction project was completed on time.

The new care home will have 30 beds when it opens, but has sufficient space for 10 more to be made available at a later date.

“Hamnavoe House will touch the lives of local families for many years to come,” Councillor King added. “As our population grows older, we will be able to respond in future if the requirement for accommodation becomes greater.”

The home’s name was selected after a community effort. Local school children suggested names, Stromness Community Council whittled these down to a shortlist – and a public vote was held during the 'What's Next for Stromness' public consultation events in 2019.

The Friends of St Peter’s have donated a ‘Polycrub’ – a cross between a greenhouse and a polytunnel – which has been put in place ready to get gardening efforts at Hamnavoe House underway.