Page 1 - Project Manager Report

The Hall of Clestrain Vision

“By 2025 The Hall of Clestrain will be an internationally renowned visitor centre sharing the true
story and ethos of John Rae and Orkney’s key role in Scotland’s past, present and
future connection with Arctic exploration and discovery.”

Project Manager Sandra Deans tells us the inside story…

With several failed attempts at sourcing funding to save the Hall of Clestrain, I am the
first to admit this project was never going to be easy however with the unprecedented
events over the last 6 months, where we have been engulfed by uncertainties
surrounding the COVID19 virus and its associated restrictions, its proven to be even more
challenging.

I must congratulate the Trustees on taking
such a proactive approach, which has not
only allowed the project to maintain full
momentum but has ensured major
advances in design and use, even during this
extremely difficult period. Thank goodness
for online technology. Microsoft TEAMS has
been embraced by the board, allowing
trustees to hold meetings online and remain
actively involved in project development
through regular online collaboration with the
consultants, as well as myself.

Over recent years the JRS has demonstrated
a dynamic and successful track record with
2018 seeing the purchase of the Hall of Clestrain,
following a phenomenally successful fund-raising
campaign, and latterly making the building wind
and watertight. The employment of the project
manager followed by the purchase and
installation of a temporary visitor centre in 2019. All
of which has been successfully interspersed
by numerous events, activities, outreach with
schools’ educational resources (John Rae boxes),
culminating in the development of an online
consultation survey earlier this year.

President: Andrew J Appleby Chairman: Norman Shearer
Web: www.johnraesociety Email: info@johnraesociety.com
Telephone: +44 1856 771419 Registered Charity No.: SC044463
Fursbreck Pottery, Harray, Orkney, Scotland, KW17 2JR