Work is to start on a renovation project at the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum in Lyness.

The project will get underway at the end of this month and involves the restoration of the historic buildings, the enhancement of interpretation and displays, and the creation of a new building to house an exhibition space, café, toilet facilities and information areas.

Earlier this year The Heritage Lottery Fund announced a £1.115 million grant towards the project.

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This completed a funding package made up of grants from Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Orkney LEADER fund and Orkney Islands Council's capital Projects programme.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

Museum custodian Jude Callister said: "Once the Centre closes, volunteers will join staff in carefully packing up the many hundreds of artefacts that will go into storage during the project.

"Specialist contractors will also carry out surveys of the buildings and the equipment they contain ahead of the main refurbishment work getting underway in 2018.

"Next Spring we plan to set up displays for visitors in temporary buildings near the ferry waiting room at Lyness, which will include information about the renovation project. We also plan to run more guided walks – so there will still be plenty for visitors to see and do."

(LM)