Our Projects
Developing projects that foster sustainable initiatives that empower our community, creating a vibrant and thriving future for all.
Our Projects
REWDT have developed a range of different projects throughout Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, ranging from creating community gardens, Wi-Fi centres, grants and bursaries schemes and helping to make homes and community buildings warmer. Lots more are in the pipeline.
REWDT also organise the annual Rousay Lap Half Marathon in August and 5K Peedie Lap fun run in June.
Our Current Projects
Playparks
We have our own playpark at Brinian and support recreational facilities elsewhere on the islands.
Social Housing
We are developing plans for two new build bungalows, and creation of three flats in an existing building. Both will create affordable, energy efficient social housing, bringing new people to the islands and allowing younger people to stay.
Play & Stay
The play and stay group brings the families with pre-school children together in a social environment.
Community Transport
Our electric vehicle is available for loan by the community, and we also run a ‘dial a ride’ service for residents who do not have their own transport. The service runs around the island, as well as bi-weekly trips to Orkney Mainland.
Community Assets
We look to preserve and enhance our vital services on the island. We are working with the community to explore the purchase of the Taversoe Hotel, as well as developing plans for the old Pier Restaurant.
Community Allotments
Residents can rent an allotment or space in our polytunnel, as well as accessing equipment to help with growing and self-sufficiency.
Community Device Support
Community education and learning is a key aim for the trust. We secured a grant to supply all three islands with up to date computers with printers/scanners, and 5 iPads which will be available on a loan basis. We will also run community IT learning sessions.
Trumland Land Ownership
The trust owns 690 Hectares of land – the Trumland Estate. Our community turbine is located on the land, and alongside it the newly opened ‘Heart of Rousay’ boardwalk, affording amazing views to all visitors (wheelchair friendly).
E-Bikes
A fleet of e-bikes and one e-trike are on Rousay. These are for use by both visitors and residents. Tourists can arrive as a foot passenger, then hire the bikes to see the island. Residents can loan a bike to test it out and consider buying their own.
Marina Development
We are actively working with the Rousay Sailing Club on a potential leisure marina project. The project would see economic development near to the existing pier, bringing new trade and tourism.
Community Hub
We have recently opened a new community hub and offices near the pier on Rousay. The hub will be the source of information for residents and will welcome external groups who offer help and advice.
Our Past Projects
Heat Smart Orkney
“Heat Smart Orkney” was a community-led project based in Rousay and aimed at developing sustainable heating solutions for homes and businesses. It focuses on utilising curtailed turbine power to power innovative heating technologies such as heat pumps and smart energy management systems. The project aimed to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and increase energy […]
Bike Shelter
Residents requested somewhere to store their bicycles when catching the ferry – so the bike shelter was built. It has been wrapped in images of the island and is now a much visited facility!
Trumland Land
In 2019 the development trust acquired the 690 hectare ‘Trumland Estate’ bringing a large swathe of the island into community ownership. The estate, which features archaeological remains including chambered cairns and a crannog, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and community ownership has created employment opportunities as well as allowing the trust to explore […]
Eleanor Barr ‘Heart of Rousay’ Boardwalk
The Eleanor Barr “Heart of Rousay” Boardwalk is a community initiative on Rousay. Named after a local conservationist, the boardwalk is a recycled plastic pathway that stretches across open moorland, providing access to scenic views and wildlife habitats while preserving the fragile ecosystem. It serves both as a recreational asset for locals and visitors and […]
How To Reach Us
Drop into our new offices close to the ferry terminal, drop us an email or give us a call.