Westray Development Trust

How We Started

The Trust was established following a public meeting attended by over 100 residents to discuss issues in the community and local concerns. Following its inclusion in the government programme ‘Initiative at the Edge’ a conference, attended by over 400 people from the community and local agencies to identify local needs, priorities and solutions was held and out of that a strategic plan, ‘Turning the Tide’ was developed. The main themes that emerged included depopulation and economic decline together with the social and economic issues associated with being a remote Scottish island.

What We Do

A number of the projects included in the initial strategic plan have now been achieved, for example the establishment of a youth centre, appointment of a development worker and youth worker,  the construction of a care centre in partnership with Orkney Island Council, and the commissioning of the community owned wind turbine. Current projects include: · Development of the Westray Zero Waste Centre · Fuel Poverty Project · Learning Centre Project · Biofuels production; Golf Course Development; turbine; management of Hofn Youth Centre