Orkney Image Library

The demolition was done by Monkman & Adams.

See also picture #7184, picture #7280, picture #7286.

I thought it was Morrison Construction that demolished this as part of the new Presto

No, St Clair was deconstructed rather than demolished by Alan Monkman and his partner.

So where does this fit in with the building of Presto by Morrison?

Lidl store must be very close to old house site

Lidl Store was built on the site of St Clair's Emporium, across from the junction with Great Western Road.

Jimmy Duncan,St.Clairs joiner dismantled the roof of the house.

I am not saying that Jimmy Duncan was not involved in demolishing St Clair, he was after all employed by St Clair's Emporium, but it was Messrs Monkman & Adams who were the contractors. I was in Orkney Builder's office at Hatston at this time and frequently sent a teleporter down to lift stuff for them.

Speaking to Jimmy Duncan a few weeks back, forgotten most of what he said about the job, but fairly sure he said there weren't any main contractors as such involved

I suppose hid disna metter much noo. This was a very "substantial" house. Big blocks, probably 6" cavity walls, and the roof joists - 8" x 3" ?? Substantial! Not like what I see going up now.

I think Sandy is right about this, it was Monkman & Adams that did the work and I think that Gilbert Kennedy was working for them then, it might have been his first job with them.