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Summary

Description

A two-storey, three-bay former United Presbyterian manse dating from the mid to later 19^th century, with later alterations. The building is rectangular-shaped on plan with a small piended-roof porch addition to the former rear (west) elevation. The walls are largely cement-rendered. The former main (east) elevation is symmetrically arranged with full-height canted bays in ashlar red sandstone (possible late-19^th century additions) and a corniced and pilastered doorpiece to the centre. The roof is pitched and slated, with concrete skews and three small rooflights to the east. The gablehead chimneystacks are cement rendered. The windows are largely uPVC casements but a timber stained-glass window remains to the stair on the west elevation. The building is in use as a private dwelling and is located in the centre of Stromness, on an elevated site within a terraced garden, set back from the main thoroughfare of Victoria Street.

The interior (seen in 2026) comprises principal rooms on either side of a central hallway and stair. The interior has been modernised and the layout partially altered. Some early fixtures and fittings include areas of plaster cornicing, some timber panelled doors and windows with moulded architraves and skirtings, and a timber stair, which has stick balusters and a coiled handrail. The fireplace surrounds are largely later replacements but some may date from the 19^th century.

There is a detached, single-storey outbuilding to the north, which has been truncated in recent decades. The rubblestone walls are partially cement rendered, the roof is pitched with replacement slates and terracotta ridge tiles, and a large garage door has been inserted into the south gable. A rubble boundary wall encloses the rectangular-plan garden to the east with a pedimented gateway opening on to Manse Lane to the south, with tall square-plan corniced piers. There is a similar wall within the terraced garden to the east. The associated church is located nearby to the southeast (listed category B, ref: LB45424).

Statement of Special Interest

We have found that 5 Manse Lane meets the criteria of special architectural or historic interest for the following reasons:

• As a good representative example of a mid to later 19^th century manse, which is well-detailed, particularly to the east elevation, and shows features of definite architectural quality, including classical proportions and detailing.
• There have been alterations to the both the exterior and interior features but these have not adversely affected the overall historic character and legibility of the building. The canted bay windows appear to be late-19^th century additions, but they are good quality.
• It is a building of some prominence and status that retains much of its 19^th century boundary features and setting, which adds to its special interest.
• As the manse to the former United Presbyterian Church, which is a short distance to the southeast, it forms part of a group of functionally related historic buildings and contributes to our understanding of Scotland's social and religious history.
• It is not a rare or early example of its type but its design quality and historic group setting in a built-up urban location is of interest.

Listed building record updated in 2026.

References

Bibliography

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