
Rousay Eglisay & Wyre Development Trust
On behalf of the Development Trust we would like to welcome you to Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.
Introduction to REW DT.
Our three islands are home to a community of approximately 260 people. These residents worked together to form our Development Trust in September 2006, with a view to tackling our local issues and improving the quality of life for those living in our communities. Our aim, broadly, is to help our three beautiful islands to be both vibrant and sustainable.
To achieve this we gather ideas from our residents; identify projects; and with the aid of funding obtained via Government and social initiatives or by the funds we produce from our turbine, turn these ideas into projects or community assets. In recent years we have constructed the 900kW community-owned wind turbine, provided community gardens, introduced wifi centres, sought ways to make our homes and community buildings warmer and cheaper to run, introduced a grants and bursaries scheme, and we regularly organise the annual Rousay Lap Half Marathon and Peedie Lap 5K fun run. We are currently in the process of producing our next 5 year plan which will include the development and building of social housing.
Further details of these, and other projects we are currently working on, can be found on this website.
Many of the UKs smaller islands have similar issues to ours, such as, a population decline (especially amongst the young), an ageing population, below average recreational facilities, a decline in traditional industries, limited employment opportunities, low wages and fuel poverty.
Our Development Trust is trying to further enhance the quality of life, preserve our community and secure our future. All island residents over the age of 18 can apply to become a member of the Trust. Our directors are elected from within the membership, by the members themselves, and the combined Board makes decisions on what projects the Trust should develop, to try and meet these aims.
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.
For our latest accounts click here
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 commitments
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
Your Personal Data, REW DT and the new GDPR Act (General Data Protection Regulations)
News for REWDT
For the minutes from the February 2023 grants and budget meeting, please click here
Please support the REW DT by becoming a member.
For a membership form please click here
Being a member entitles you to:
- join our - membership base
- receive an annual report of the Trust’s activities and projects;
- attend and vote at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting, including voting for directors;
- apply to become a director of the Trust, if you wish.
We should point out that, as the Trust is a ‘company limited by guarantee’, in the unlikely event of the Trust being wound up, our members are liable – but only for £1.
We are always keen to ensure that we represent as many of our community as possible, and we would be delighted if you would consider joining the Trust.
We have Yoga Classes with instructor, Sarah Pamentor, starting on Tuesday 21st March 2023.
The classes will take place in the Green Room at Rousay School and there are two classes every Tuesday:
- 1.30pm - Seated Yoga
- 3.30pm - Floor Yoga
The sessions are jointly funded by OIC Healthy Living Centre and REWDT. Free to attend with Activve Life/Active Island membership. Healthy living Centre session rates for non-members.
REWDT Wellbeing grants available towards costs.
For info call Nicky on 821229 or email Nicky@rewdt.org
