About the Birsay Heritage Trust

The Birsay Heritage Trust was established in 1998 by the citizens of Birsay concerned that historically interesting sites are rapidly decaying or disappearing, and that living memory of these will soon fade. The Trust disseminates information about Birsay and encourages the public to appreciate and help preserve the many aspects of heritage. The Trust welcomes new members from anywhere in the world who have an interest in history and the traditional ways of life. Birsay is an excellent example spanning 5000 years.

The original Birsay Heritage Trust (BHT) was founded in 1998 to restore the operation of the Barony Mill (sometimes known as the Boardhouse Mill) which had been abandoned. The Barony Mill is now in good heart providing traditional stone ground bere and oats, and, in summer, serving as a popular tourist attraction.

However, it was never the intent to restrict activities to the Mill only. The new Trust structure can now fulfil the interests and aspirations of a wider public. Currently, these interests include:

• Raising funds to commemorate the Birsay whalebone with a bronze statue, and to conserve the old bones, and to celebrate the commemoration and gathering of stories with a Whalebone Festival.
• The conservation of the unusual control tower at the Twatt Naval Air Station, the HMS Tern, and other buildings on the site. It is planned to be part of the Defence of Britain program and to display aircraft remains in cooperation with Aircraft Research Group of Orkney and Shetland.
• Ongoing repairs of the Kitchener tower commemorating the sinking of the HMS Hampshire – your care would make a fitting memorial to the all the men lost in that disaster.
• Volunteering at the Barony Mill, supporting the farmers and millers who produce Beremeal, and guiding visitors in the summer months.
• Joining a subgroup focused on maintenance and management of St. Magnus Church.
• Recording changes at historic sites across Birsay, to share on this website.

There are many other aspects of heritage to be recorded and displayed, including archaeological sites, both prehistoric and more recent. You can participate and bring fresh ideas and energy to preserving the heritage of our part of Orkney. 

If you would like to become a member of the Trust, please complete the membership application form below.