Energy and Heating Upgrade (2026)

We undertook a £56k energy upgrade project funded by Local Energy Scotland’s CARES programme (£36.4k), OIC’s Community Development Fund (£6k), South Ronaldsay and Burray Community Council CDF (£3k) and WHP Telecoms Community Benefit Fund (£1.7k). The balance - just under £9k - came from Burray Community Association's own funds, through donations and other community fund-raising events

The project sought to decarbonise Burray Village Hall, and maximise energy efficiency, by installing 13.5kW PV panels, 38.4kWh storage batteries and 20kW air source heat pumps. Assuming a future energy surplus from a combination of wind turbine, solar panels and cheap-rate overnight electricity, our longer term vision is one of Net-Zero where we can offer a warm hub facility at our hall, freely available to those of our residents who might be adversely impacted by high fuel costs during cold weather spells. In the next phase, we will seek to provide reduced rate EV charging facilities for local residents.

With sincere thanks to our funders and contractors;

Building and Equipment Improvements (2016)

We benefitted from a £70k programme of extensive repair and modernisation works, funded by the Orkney Islands LEADER 2014-20 programme (£35k), Orkney Islands Council (£25k), Screwfix (£5k) - with the remaining £5k coming from the Association's own funds.

The project aimed to upgrade the fabric of the building including a new roof, increase energy efficiency by installing insulation and double-glazed doors and windows, refurbish and equip the kitchen, install hearing loops, provide table tennis equipment, projection equipment, and portable flexi staging. Watch a LEADER film about the project.

With thanks to our funders:

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. Find out more https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_en