Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel occupies a prominent waterfront site in Kirkwall, where a pair of late-18th-century, Category B-listed townhouses with distinctive crow-stepped gables form a local landmark. Over the past two decades, the hotel has been the subject of an ongoing programme of works to modernise and extend its facilities while preserving its historic character. Bracewell have guided this process, working closely with the client to balance heritage sensitivities with the demands of a busy, year-round hospitality business.

Initial phases focused on reconfiguring and upgrading the historic fabric, introducing en-suite provision across bedrooms, refreshing interiors, and improving public areas such as the reception and restaurant. Careful phasing ensured the hotel could continue trading throughout, with new layouts enhancing operational efficiency as well as guest comfort. A significant refurbishment of the bar and dining spaces created the Orcadian Restaurant & Bar, bringing a lighter, more contemporary feel that still reflects the character of the original buildings.

To meet growing demand, new accommodation has also been introduced in the form of a detached annexe on Burnmouth Road. This development provides nine self-contained apartments — six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom — which broaden the hotel’s offer for families and longer-stay visitors. The design draws on the massing and roof forms of traditional Orkney buildings, giving the extension a contextual presence without competing with the listed frontage. Together with sensitive conservation work, the annexe allows the hotel to expand capacity while contributing positively to the surrounding townscape.

Today, the Ayre Hotel combines 51 upgraded bedrooms with modern apartment living and revitalised food and beverage facilities, securing its position as one of Orkney’s leading hospitality venues. The project demonstrates how thoughtful, phased interventions can safeguard a heritage asset, strengthen the local economy, and deliver a contemporary guest experience, all while respecting Kirkwall’s conservation area and waterfront setting.