05 June 2008
SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL TO FUND £1.15 MILLION TOWARDS FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY
Today, the Shetland Island’s Council Development Committee agreed to provide grant funding of £1.15 million towards building a new Fair Isle Bird Observatory. The new building will replace the current building which is 40 years old and will provide modern facilities for scientific research, monitoring and accommodation for visitors.
The observatory contributes significantly both socially and economically to the local community. This is also evident from the amount of local monies raised so far by the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust towards the project costs which are expected to total £3.9 million. The Trust is also pursuing external funding options and it hoped that building works could begin by 2009.
This project will provide an excellent investment into the Fair Isle community and will give enhanced facilities for visitors who currently come from around the world to experience Shetland’s unique wildlife and heritage.