Published: Saturday, 20 April 2019 12:50

“I am delighted to be part of this project and can fully envisage the restored building, as a premier exhibition and conference centre. One, which I know would be welcomed by the Orkney tourism industry.  However, the ability to create an education and learning facility where cultural and arts events can be hosted throughout the year, bringing real benefit to the local economy and community, is such an exciting opportunity. Creating a vibrant and sustainable venue and learning resource is a truly worthwhile project.”

PROFILE

Sandra Deans has joined us as Project Oficer for the restoration of the Hall of Clestrain.  Originally born in Canada but brought up in Stromness, she brings local knowledge and a wealth of contacts, which will prove to be useful to the project. Sandra has a background in Financial and Project Management mainly within the private sector, including several well-known multi-national companies. Having studied Business Management at university in Edinburgh, she then went to worked in London and latterly Edinburgh, after which she then returned to Orkney after 20 years of living away. Her recent work experience within the OIC, HIE, Orkney Integrated Joint Board, Tourism and Third Sector’s means she also brings strong community/stakeholder engagement, business development and strategic planning skills.

On top of that, Sandra and her husband have recently renovated a ‘B’ listed property, so she is fully aware of the many challenges and intricacies involved with a historic building renovation and the associated planning sensitivities.

Luckily for us, Sandra loves a challenge and is not deterred by the amount of work to be done!    

You can contact Sandra at projectofficer@johnraesociety.com