The Challenge for Westray...
Westray is the largest of Orkney’s North Isles with a population of just 600. The primary industries are agriculture and fishing, with tourism rapidly emerging as a strong, third element to our economy.

As in other islands the population is falling. This is not just a result of people leaving the island but because fewer babies are being born and the population will continue to drop unless more young people choose to stay on Westray.

The employment situation on the island is unusual. There is very little unemployment, in fact most people of working age are doing two or more jobs. This is partly because a number of jobs are needed to make up an adequate income and partly because they need to be done! There is, however, a very restricted range of job opportunities, particularly for women.

It is not possible with current timetables to live on Westray and travel by boat each day to work in Kirkwall or another island. It is, however, possible for people on the Orkney Mainland to travel to Westray to work most days. This means work often goes unnecessarily to contractors from off the island and Westray families often move to the Orkney Mainland for employment.

Our community has a strong sense of belonging and is able to embrace new ideas while maintaining our sense of identity. We value our excellent education system, our good transport network and island health service. More than anything we value our sense of community, feeding our drive and determination to improve life on our island. We see the Development Trust, our partners and the regeneration strategy detailed in our Development Plan as the key to a sustainable future.

Problems