WORK is set to get underway this week on a major £1.2 million redevelopment of the Orkney Brewery in Sandwick.

The first phase of the project will see a new brewing plant installed at the Quoyloo site, almost doubling its current capacity. A visitor centre and special sampling room will also be created during a later phase of development.

The contract for the project has been awarded to Orkney based Casey Construction Ltd, with work expected to take around six months.

Norman Sinclair, managing director of the Orkney Brewery’s parent firm, Sinclair Breweries Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that our vision for the Orkney Brewery is about to become a reality. It’s been a great year for us, with the brewery’s Raven Ale winning the Champion Beer of Scotland award in June and Red MacGregor taking second place in the same competition. Demand for the full range of Orkney Brewery beers remains very strong and the expansion will enable us to both meet that demand and explore important new markets worldwide. The project will also greatly enhance the experience of visitors to the brewery, helping strengthen Orkney’s reputation as a unique and high quality holiday destination.”

Paddy Casey, director of Casey Construction Ltd, said: “As an Orkney firm, we’re very proud to be the preferred contractor for this important project for the County. Over the years we’ve been responsible for a number of award-winning, landmark developments – such as the Pier Arts Centre – and we work hard to maintain our reputation for excellence. The Orkney Brewery prides itself on the quality of its products and we look forward to creating a building that reflects that attention to detail.”