The Orkney Image Library
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This a scan of a postcard. It is Kirkwall pier designed by Thomas Telford and constructed in cast iron. Andy Wylie used this picture and others for a small booklet he wrote about the piers in Orkney. I believe a copy is in the library . I was told that the post card was rare.
View Large VersionPicture added on 24 December 2007
Kirkwall Pier(the East pier) was begun in 1809 and finished in 1811. The West Pier was begun in 1813. Together they formed what is now the basin. The cast iron extension was much later. I think picture #1406 shows the plaque put up to mark its completion in 1867. I'm not sure when the cast iron structure was replaced (the 1880s maybe?), but it looks as though work may already be starting in this picture. On either side of each supporting column (pier?) are what I presume to be the decorative features with the burgh arms, one of which is shown in picture #3514.
Added by Paul Sutherland on 25 December 2007
Thanks Paul, yes indeed, I have just found another copy of the same image and it is titled 'circa 1870'
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Added by Spoot on 27 December 2007
Kirkwall
