View source for Fair Isle Lodge and Bird Observatory

The '''Fair Isle Lodge and Bird Observatory''' is Shetland's most prominent and famous bird observation site. It sits on Shetland's southernmost island, [[Fair Isle]], which lies between Orkney and Shetland.

==History==
The observatory was co-founded by [[George Waterston]] in [[1948]] and today provides guesthouse accommodation for visitors to the island.
==Re-opening==
A purpose built building was opened on October 17th [[1969]], which served for forty years until, nearing the end of its useful life, it was demolished in [[2009]]. A replacement building on the same site, although not completely finished due to the collapse shortly before of the main contractor, A. Wilson. Orkney. was officially opened and welcomed its first guests on the weekend of 19th/20th June [[2010]].

The new building, costing £4 Million, was originally scheduled for completion by the end of [[2009]], but successive delays culminating the the main contractor going out of business meant the Warden's accommodation and sundry &quot;finishing touches&quot; were still to be completed when the new building opened. The collapse of the main contractor has also had a wider impact in [[Fair Isle]] as numerous residents who had provided sub-contract services in connection with the project, such as accommodation etc, still remain to be paid. 

[http://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/ Visit Their Website]

[[Category:Nature Reserves]]
[[Category:Shetland Attractions]]