South Hammer is an old croft house that we purchased a few years back. The intention at the time was to rescue the buildings from the ravages of the harsh weather conditions and save it as an example of an untouched Westray croft house. Funding was offered by Historic Scotland, Orkney Island Council and Community Development Fund for the New Millenium.

The top picture shows it as it was, and now:

The picture above is as it is now, taken in April 2008. Wind and watertight, looking just as it would have been before the ravages of time worked on her. There are now three new roofs working hard to keep out the Westray weather. Congratulations to Daniel Harcus and his men for doing a magnificent job, and thanks to all who contributed funds to make it all possible.

Watch this space for new development plans in the pipeline.

The following photos show part of the interior of the dwelling house, with the remains of a box bed and the old cooking stove in the fireplace, before the re-roofing.

For more information about South Hammer, see the entry in Fae Quoy Tae Castle, our publication about all the houses that were standing in Westray in 2003. It is available from the Heritage centre.

Pictures of South Hammer during renovation (thanks to Duncan and Kirsty Cable)