Papay Development Plan

Strategic Themes

Employment

Traditionally, islanders turn their hands to a number of jobs to make their living.  We will diversify our economy to create new opportunities, attract new people to the island and support our island population.

Project 1
Enhancing the role of the Co-op as our main community enterprise.

Project 2
Collecting information, for example by organising a “returners questionnaire” to attract people with Papay connections.

Project 3
Researching new products such as seaweed, lichen, energy production and alternative crops.
 

Transport and Access

Any island's lifeline, the quality of our transport links will determine more than anything the well being of our community.

Project 1
Construction of a harbour at the new pier, which would:

• guarantee a better ferry service;
• provide a base for the Golden Mariana;
• offer a marina facility for visiting boats.

Project 2
Working with the transport providers to better integrate our transport services, providing a seamless and economic connection between boat, plane, and taxi services.
 

Housing

To support our balanced community of 100 people we need to develop badly needed affordable housing.

Project 1
The conversion and reclamation of old buildings by the Development trust for rebuilding as rented accommodation.
 

Youth Provision

As we build our balanced community, attracting more families to the island we will ensure that the facilities our young people need will be provided.

Project 1
Ensuring our young people can travel to take advantage of the recreational facilities on Westray such as the drop in centre, play schemes and sporting activities.
 

Tourism

Our visitors come to experience the unique qualities of our island.  In acknowledging the importance of tourism to our economy we are aware that this must be developed in a sustainable manner, bringing visitors the highest quality of experience.

Project 1
Ensuring the best use is made of the GuestHouse, Hostel and self-catering units run by the Community Co-op

Project 2
Exploring the addition of camping facilities and additional self-catering facilities.

Project 3
Improving visitor facilities by:

• developing the Nouster Pier Visitor Centre;
• improving the signposting and marked paths.

Project 4
Improving our marketing of the island by:

• developing our own web site, e.g.  www.papawestray.com (need to check this is available);
• increasing the island profile in Orkney and elsewhere;
• developing our Peedie Papay Package tours;
• develop the niche tourist market for archaeology, birds, crafts, boating, stress management, religious tours etc.

Health and Care for Our Community

We must ensure that we can care for the vulnerable and elderly on the island where possible and work with the Westray Development Trust on their project for a new healthy living and care facility on Westray.

Project 1
Building two or three new houses to care for our elderly, vulnerable and those temporarily in need of high quality affordable housing on the site adjacent to the shop and Guest House.

Project 2
Support the development of the Kirk Project providing:

• better health facilities and access to social services;
• a new surgery;
• facilities for a visiting dentist, optician, chiropodist, physiotherapist etc.;

Education

We recognise that we must maintain the present high quality of education on the island and improve them by:

• encouraging the use of IT both at home and through the outreach centre;
• advancing continuing education and the important role of the University of the Highlands and Islands.