In response to feedback from the Westray community following the 2023 Westray Conference, WDT have been working towards purchasing suitable property to develop a multi-functional community space.
In February 2024 a feasibility study, funded by the Scottish Land Fund and Orkney Islands Council Community Development Fund was carried out on the property.
It was clear that this could be a great opportunity for Westray and meeting multiple needs on the island the decision to apply to the Scottish Land Fund for funding towards the purchase was made and an application was sent to them in May 2024. To this end we are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £37,838 from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase a property (The Old Community Hall) on the edge of Pierowall. This space, which is in poor condition, is currently being used for storage and the Trust proposes to demolish it and build a multi-functional community space including meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and office space.
Below are the proposed plans which we put out to consultation.
Project Progress
· November 2024 Property purchased with funding from the Scottish Land Fund.
· October 2025 Planning Permission granted for a new build.
· November 2025 building warrant approved for the demolition of the existing building which is no longer safe.
· December 2025 tender exercise for the demolition completed and Eoin Muir Plant Hire awarded the contract.
One Last use of the stage…. Click the link below
March-April 2026 – Eoin Muir has been on site, and the asbestos sheeting is now wrapped and packed ready to be taken to the Mainland for disposal. Services will now be dealt with on site, and then the rest of the demolition.
Great news for the rebuild: we were awarded 1.2 million from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The application was originally for two projects: the Hall and a facility at the golf course for the Golf Club and Men’s Shed.
The floor was removed and will be stored for safekeeping.
May 2026 – Eoin Muir Plant Hire is the contractor we have for the demolition and they are doing a grand job, even organised this bonny weather for it.
Don’t be vexed just remember……
“Let go of something old that no longer serves you in order to make room for something new.” Roy T Bennett
June 2026 – Orkney Islands Council Crown Estate Communuty Development Fund have commited £50,000 towards the new build up at the old hall.