Page 2 - Project Manager Report

This along with the extraordinary commitment
shown by JRS volunteers, extremely generous JRS
donations, and lastly the financial and peer support
of the Architectural Heritage Fund, Co-op Big Pay-
out, Cuminga Trust and the Orkney Islands Council
with their Community Development Fund, has
enabled the Board to take truly ‘giant strides’ in
progressing the planned Hall development.

We were extremely fortunate to have been able to
commission John Sanders of Simpson & Brown –
Heritage consultants and architects (Edinburgh), a
true Hall of Clestrain enthusiast, to produce a conservation management report. Luckily,
John was able to travel to Orkney to assess the Hall and speak directly with the trustees
before the lock down commenced in March 2020.

Then in April, from a small but powerful group of tenders, Rob Robinson of Heritage
Consulting (Edinburgh) was contracted to carry out a full options appraisal and summary
feasibility report, working in association with Simpson & Brown who were employed to
produce the architectural aspects of the options appraisal along with associate costings
by Angus Simpson of Ralf Ogg surveyors (Perth).

All the consultants work was closely interlinked, and they have worked well together,
resulting in the considered and detailed information provided to date.
With the production of a robust business plan, fundamental to most funding applications,
the JRS is well positioned to apply for both Historic Environment Scotland’s Repair Grant
and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, once they open their doors to applications later
this year.
It is with your support and financial commitment that these advances have been
possible. We hope you find the content of the attached reports consistent with the
perceived aims of the John Rae Society and would welcome your constructive
feedback.
Join us…embrace the past to shape the future!

Sandra

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