Papa Westray at the centre of a rapid development boom
(Story dated:Thursday, December 21, 2006)

There may be no regular pubs or clubs, fancy leisure facilities, or fashionable shops, but one of Orkney’s smallest islands is enjoying something of a boom.

While many outer isles and rural areas are reporting folk leaving for good, Papa Westray is a success story like no other in the county.

The island’s population has risen sharply in the past five years — in stark contrast to the other North and South Isles, which have seen drops of between 18 and 35 per cent over the last decade.

The island’s representative, OIC convener Councillor Stephen Hagan, said the numbers had fallen away to the low 50s a few years ago — but had now risen to more than 70.

“The school, which had three to four kids, is now up at nine or ten. A number of years ago local people made derelict and uninhabited properties available for sale. These are being purchased and refurbished.

“Others have built or are in the process of building new homes. There is a thriving building boom at present and has been for a number of years.

“Papay is a very welcoming community with a really strong community spirit. Education on the island is of an exceptionally high standard and I’m sure this in itself is attractive for folk with young families.

“This is a really good news story - there are a lot of people moving to the island.”

Travellers to Papa Westray come from the five continents for an experience which lasts only a couple of minutes. They want to fly on the shortest scheduled air flight in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray - a distance shorter than the main runway at Heathrow.

Others are attracted by the wildlife - the island was home to the last Great Auk in the UK, killed in 1813.

There are sites of historical interest, sandy beaches and a very laid back lifestyle, which has been known to attract those trying to get out of the rat race.

There is another community initiative ongoing on the island, which it is hoped will further attract new blood.

Currently, only 60 per cent of the households are connected to the island’s water supply, it was revealed at the Orkney Islands Council’s community development fund sub-committee meeting on Thursday last week.

An attempt is being made by the Papa Westray Community Council to attract funding of more than £125,000 to open up a further two natural springs - allowing all properties to be connected.

Head of administrative services at the OIC, Ronnie Tulloch, explained at the meeting that a small water scheme was set up on the island some time ago, to supply the local school and other buildings in the immediate area.

The system was enlarged in 1990, to utilise three natural springs, he said, while automatic pumping and filtering equipment was fitted at that time and mains pipework installed to supply most inhabited premises in the south half of the island.

“Like most of the island of Rousay, Papa Westray was deemed by the council, and since by the existing water authority, to be unsuitable and/or unpractical to be included in the areas which enjoy a public water supply.

“However, the residents of Papa Westray are very happy to have a supply of unchlorinated drinkable water from natural springs. About 60 per cent of households are now connected.

“If sufficient funding can be sourced, it is anticipated that a further two natural springs and the remainder of households on the island can be connected during 2007-2008.”

The supply is operated by the local community council and it has been proved over a number of years that the system can operate comfortably within the income derived from the sale of water.

Jennifer Foley, clerk to the island’s community council, explained in their application: “In recent years there has been increased demand on the existing water supply as new housing is built, old houses reoccupied, school, fire and medical facilities upgraded and tourism businesses developed in the isle.

“Although these developments are welcomed, the existing water system is unable to cope with such increased demand and existing users have experienced annual water shortages in recent years.”

Mr Tulloch said that there are two main reasons for the upgrade.

“Firstly, to ensure a drinkable water supply to all residents on the island, together with the school and tourist accommodation units. As the island economy is increasingly dependent on the tourist trade, a reliable water supply is essential,” Mr Tulloch said.

“Secondly, new legislation requires all private water supplies to meet certain standards which have to be monitored by the council’s environmental health officers.”

There are about 20 applications for new connections, which will take the total number of houses and premises on the system to about 60.

Councillors recommended assistance of £31,495 from the community development fund towards the cost of upgrading the existing private water supply.