Fair Isle Bird Observatory
Description: Rebuild of a large accommodation facility
Client: Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust
Services: Building Inspections | Site Supervision | Contractor Monitoring
Time Span: 2023 - 2024
Photos: CASE Shetland
The Fair Isle Bird Observatory was destroyed by a fire in March 2019, in what was a devastating blow to the small island community. Four years later the rebuild commenced on site, making use of off-site modular construction to try and streamline the process.
Undertaking any kind of construction project on Fair Isle is a logistical challenge. This is, after all, the most remote inhabited island in the UK. A project of this size, coming on the back of a global pandemic, was never going to be easy!
The build consisted of 40 individual modules which were manufactured in Sheffield before being transported up to Fair Isle via Orkney. The final leg of the journey was by far the most difficult, as the Green Isle charter workboat had to navigate the notoriously treacherous seas around Fair Isle. The vessel could transport 2-3 modules in each trip, depending on their size and the weather conditions. A process which had to be suspended for several months as the harsh winter closed in…
Our role was to undertake periodic inspections on behalf of the Client, to make sure that the project was progressing as planned and that the work was being completed to the necessary standards and in line with the approved plans. The site visits were planned to coincide with key Project Milestones and allowed the release of payments to the Main Contractor as appropriate. We also flagged up concerns throughout the build so that they could be rectified in a timely manner.
Unfortunately the Main Contractor - IDMH Ltd (latterly trading as Lighthouse) entered administration in March 2024, with the project incomplete. This was a serious setback, particularly with regards to the completion date. Another summer slipped by without the influx of visitors to which Fair Isle had become accustomed. The complexities and cost uncertainty of working in such a remote location had claimed another business.
CASE Shetland had been providing detailed Site Progress Reports throughout, informed by both internal and external inspections. This kept the Client well informed and ensured that money was released appropriately and without unnecessary financial exposure to the FIBO Trust.
Thankfully the project recommenced on site after a delay of only several weeks. Work has progressed throughout the summer of 2024 and the building should open to the public again next year. Islanders and bird lovers alike are counting down the days…
