Orkney Communities Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust | text version | sitemap | log in

About Us

How it all started

Following a series  of reports commissioned by the public sector,  Rousay Egilsay and Wyre were defined as "becoming threatened" evidenced by

Population decline

Below average economic activity

An ageing population

Reliance on inward migration

Orkney- wide issues were also identified

  • High transport and shipping costs
  • A trend of depopulation on the inner and outer isles with a gradual centralistaion of people in Kirkwall and on the mainland
  • A general decline in the traditional industries of fishing and farming resulting in a need to train and support new business
  • High levels of under-employment, low wages and fuel poverty

With the support of Orkney Islands Council and HIE,  Rousay Egilsay and Wyre formed a Development Trust to establish a way forward where we could start to reverse some of these trends.

Our Organisation

At an open meeting held on 18 September 2006 it was agreed to establish a Community Development Trust for the three island group. This mirrored activities across Orkney where island communities have chosen to set up Trusts to take forward a range of local projects.

We are registered as a company limited by guarantee and have charitable status. This enables us to apply for funds that other community groups can't. It enables us to own assets such as land and buildings.

We have been advised by and work in partnership with various agencies including  Rousay Egilsay, Wyre and Gairsay Community Council, Egilsay, Rousay and Wyre Community Associations, Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The Trust was formed legally on 16 March 2007 and the current Directors were formally elected onto the board in 2008.

Who's on board?

Qualifications

Between them members of the board have gained a range of academic and professional qualifications. subjects include Science, Marine Biology, Business Administration, Project management, Service Delivery, Music, Craft and Design and Civil Engineering to name but a few.

Skills and experience

The Directors and staff of the Trust have an enormous range of skills and knowledge gained from years of experience in a diverse range of occupations including Farming, Teaching, Structural Engineering, Science, Music, Ferry and Airline Services, Hospitality Trades, Plant and Machinery, Haulage & Transport, Agricultural Services, Secretarial, Active Service, Utililty Companies, Accountancy, Retail Trades, Construction, Business Analysis, IT services, Printing and Publishing, Renewables and Environmental Services.

Voluntary and Charity committments

Trust board members and staff are actively involved in a variety of voluntary community and charity groups. This involves putting time and effort into activities that help others and create social opportunites. 

Involvement in organisations and activities such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Rousay Egilsay and Wyre Community Associations, Parent School Council, Gun Club, Darts Club, Certified First Aider, Fire Fighter, Coastguard, Rousay Egilsay Wyre and Gairsay Community Council and the Small Boat Owners Association. 

Members of the Trust also organise events to raise funds for community groups and charities such as RNLI and Cancer Research UK 

 
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