The Trust was formed in 1998 with a remit to address some of the socio-economic factors that were causing population decline. "Turning the Tide" was the title of our first Development Plan published in 1999 and the success of a number of its projects bolstered community confidence and created interest in the island's regeneration. Following on from this success, a second plan "The Tide is Turning" was published in 2005 which co-incided with the community's moving on from the first phase of the Scottish Executive's Initiative at the Edge project.

Some of the past successes which benefitted from Westray Development Trust involvement included the building of the Hofn Youth Centre; the construction of a play park for kids; the establishment of a local craft association; work on local marinas; environmental research and publication of volumes relating to the flora and fauna of Westray and its archaeology; establishing a base for the learning centre and the construction of Kalisgarth Care Centre on the island. The award of a substantial grant by the Big Lottery Fund linked to the Community Wind Turbine Project enabled the turbine to be installed during 2009 after around six years of effort. It also enabled funding to take forward a number of other exciting projects you can read about on this site. Money generated by the turbine will be used by the Trust for the benefit of the community. With financial assistance from Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise we have started work on our latest Development Plan which will, following consultation with the community, determine the way forward.

Westray Development Trust is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status and membership is available to persons aged eighteen and above whose main residence is in Westray. The Trust is managed by a board of between nine and fifteen directors who usually meet on a monthly basis. Reporting to the board are a number of sub groups focusing on generic areas.

Company number: SC201004

Charities number: SCO 29471