McArthur “absolutely delighted” by Tomb of the Eagles funding news

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has said that he is “absolutely delighted” following news that the Scottish Land Fund have provided a grant to South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust to purchase the Tomb of the Eagles site and re-open it to the public.

The Scottish Land Fund, which provides funding for the purchase and development of community-owned assets, has awarded £357,705 to the Development Trust as part of their plans to purchase the Tomb of the Eagles and re-open the visitor attraction.

Mr McArthur has previously raised the Development Trust’s campaign in parliament, highlighting the benefits of community ownership of heritage assets.

Commenting on the Scottish Land Fund award, Mr McArthur said:

“I am absolutely delighted to hear that the South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust have received this funding from the Scottish Land Fund.

“The Tomb of the Eagles is an incredibly important heritage asset for Orkney and the UK as a whole, and we know that community ownership of assets like these can unlock enormous benefits, both for the host community and more widely.

“I know from my recent visit to the Tomb to meet with those involved with and supporting this project that there is plenty of work still to do. However, this is an important milestone and well-deserved recognition of the effort that has been put in to date.

“There is strong backing within the local community for a project that also enjoys support from Scottish Ministers, who have acknowledged the enormous benefits of reopening this iconic site to the public.

“I know from my discussions with the Trust that they are keen to take forward these exciting plans as soon as possible. Like many, I look forward to the Tomb of the Eagles opening its doors to the public once again in the very near future.”