Posted 14/02/2022
By: Helen Castle

The central heartland of Rousay is moorland with rough terrain and steep slopes; it is usually reserved for the fit and the few to enjoy.

The Heart of Rousay project aims to open up this hilly heartland for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Part of this project is the creation of a viewpoint and walkway at Kingarly Hill, the site of the 900kW wind turbine. The views from here incorporate the interior moorland landscape of Rousay, across Sourin Burn and Kierfea, and sea views looking out across to the North Isles and Mainland.

With generous external funding from Healthy Islands Fund, work can begin with the design and construction of a boardwalk, seating area and car park at Kingarly Hill. The boardwalk and seating will be tailored to allow access for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

Healthy Islands Fund is an investment from the Scottish Government to support community-led initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles on the islands.

The viewpoint will be a place to:
  • Celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Rousay’s moorland
  • Enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature
  • Give access to those of all abilities and ages

Thanks to residents sharing their views in these surveys, we can show the community-need and enthusiasm for the project to funders! Your views and survey contributions make a real difference.

Community support for the creation of the viewpoint:
  • ‘Creating viewpoints’ option was the highest scoring project option (+0.92) in the community ballot 2017 as part of the feasibility study for the community purchase of Trumland Estate.
  • In 2012, in a questionnaire sent to REW residents, 80% supported or strongly supported a viewpoint at the community turbine. 158 residents (77% of total residents) took part in the survey.

Updates on the Heart of Rousay project and viewpoint will be shared online via the REWDT website and Facebook page.

If you have any other enquiries, please get in touch with Eleanor by calling 01856 821229 or email info@rewdt.org
 





In Other News..




25 February Grants and Budget Meeting approve
Posted 20/03/2023

For the minutes from the February 2023 grants and budget meeting, please click here




Membership
Posted 16/03/2023

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.
 




Yoga Classes
Posted 13/03/2023

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
No requirement to book, just come along.  

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