Orkney Islands Council has announced that the final phase of the delivery of stone to Orkney from the Glensanda Quarry in Oban is due to get underway next week.

Around 40,000 tonnes of the 80,000 tonnes required has already been delivered - and the final phase will see the remainder delivered in three larger deliveries.

The stone was sourced in January 2021 in order to deal with an anticipated shortfall of material for building projects in the county - caused by a delay on the Council's plans to extend Cursiter Quarry whilst planning permission was secured.

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To date, stone has been delivered from Glensanda to Hatston pier using small coastal vessels capable of transporting around 4,000 tonnes each time. However, as a consequence of supply chain issues, Glensanda have been unable to charter a smaller boat and are instead using their own, larger, vessel - the Yeoman Bank.

This will see the remaining 40,000 tonnes delivered in three visits with the stone discharged directly to the pier at Hatston and then moved by lorries to the quarry over the course of around six days.

There is no additional cost and no subsequent increase in the overall contract price.

The first shipment is due to arrive in Orkney on Wednesday 26th January 2022, with the remaining two deliveries expected by end March 2022.