Children from Rousay Community school joined staff and Directors of Rousay Egilsay &  Wyre Development Trust for the official opening of the community turbine on Friday 30th March

Each of the 21 children present read out their aspirations for their own future in 20 years’ time, the expected life span of the turbine, and copies of these plus the children’s aspiration for the community in 20 years’ time were placed in a time capsule buried beneath a plaque in front of the turbine entrance.  The children pulled apart a large bow tied in red ribbon around the turbine which was quickly followed by an impromptu tug of war with the ribbon before it had to be hastily recovered to prevent it from flying away in the bracing wind.To help capture a snapshot of community history, each person who attended the ceremony was also invited to draw around their hand, on the base of the turbine tower itself, to form a piece of artwork which will be developed by Wyre artist Rachael Harris.

Tours of the turbine’s interior, cake cut by Trust and REWIRED Chair Bryan Milner, and something suitable to drink rounded off the event attended by more than 60 residents.  “ It has been a great afternoon.” said Turbine Development Officer, Michelle Koster.  “We always planned for the turbine to be opened by the children, as the income we will gain from it will help the future of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.  We are grateful to all those who helped in the achievement of this project, but this day is for the community.”

To help capture a snapshot of community history, each person who attended the ceremony was also invited to draw around their hand, on the base of the turbine tower itself, to form a piece of artwork which will be developed by Wyre artist Rachael Harris.

Tours of the turbine’s interior, cake cut by Trust and REWIRED Chair Bryan Milner, and something suitable to drink rounded off the event attended by more than 60 residents.  “ It has been a great afternoon.” said Turbine Development Officer, Michelle Koster.  “We always planned for the turbine to be opened by the children, as the income we will gain from it will help the future of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.  We are grateful to all those who helped in the achievement of this project, but this day is for the community.”