Work on a new Children's House for Orkney has commenced in Kirkwall.

The facility, in Watersfield in the town, is being built by Orkney Builders and will replace the former Camoran facility.

Gillian Skuse, Chair of Orkney Health and Care, said: "It's extremely pleasing to see construction of this much-needed and long awaiting facility now underway.

"The new House has been designed with input from professionals across the Council and further afield, and from children who have been in care, to be in effect a large family home. I look forward to seeing the House now take shape."

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Marie O'Sullivan, Head of Children and Families and Criminal Justice at Orkney Health and Care, added: "A new fit-for-purpose Children's Home has been an aspiration for the Council and Orkney Health and Care for some years – so it's exciting to see what will be a vital part of our care provisions for looked after children here in Orkney now at construction stage."

Chair of the Friends of the Children's House, Chris Giles, commented: "It will be a great facility for some of Orkney's most vulnerable young people and we look forward to continuing to support the work of Orkney Health and Care and the young people who will be living in the new house."

The new Children's House will provide accommodation for four children with 24-hour supervision by staff. It is hoped construction on the facility will be completed in spring 2014.

(JP/CD)