Shapinsay Community Purchases Smithy to Create ‘Sustainable Future’ for Island Facility

A much-loved community facility in Shapinsay looks set to get a new lease of life - thanks to support from Orkney Islands Council.

Shapinsay Development Trust is set to purchase 'The Smithy' on the island - with the Council lending a hand by agreeing to sell the property to the group at less than market value.

The Smithy Restaurant and Museum is currently leased to the Shapinsay Community Council for a nominal rent and has previously been run as a café and heritage centre during the summer months – however, this has proved challenging. 

Shapinsay Development Trust previously consulted with the local community, who demonstrated strong support for taking the facility into community ownership.

The Trust intends to undertake a full internal and external refurbishment including complete renovation, installation of an energy efficient heating system, insulation upgrade, redesign of the café and provision of new modern kitchen facilities.

It is also intended to create a kitchen, office and toilet facility for the benefit of the heritage centre on the first floor.

This has been achieved from feasibility funding from the North Isles Landscape Partnership, Scottish Land Fund and the Council’s Community Development Fund and capital funding from Scottish Land Fund.

Rachel Garson, Chair of the Shapinsay Development Trust said: “The Smithy Restaurant and Museum is a vital asset to our community and local economy.

“When it was run as a café it was one of the only social spaces on the island and was an essential part of life in Shapinsay.  With the current condition of the building and the investment needed there is a real risk this facility could be lost from the community as well as the heritage centre losing its home.

“By taking the building into community ownership, we are securing a sustainable future for the facility whilst creating much-needed new employment on the island and providing an opportunity for community wealth building.

“It will also create a new community space for locals and visitors to utilise. It’s hoped that through collective ownership of The Smithy, the sense of community and empowerment on the island will also be strengthened.

“We wholeheartedly thank Orkney Islands Council for their support in meeting these aspirations.”

Voluntary Action Orkney has also provided advice and support to the Trust throughout the application process.   
Davie Campbell, Development Worker at VAO said: “We’re delighted at this positive outcome. The decision demonstrates the effectiveness of a collaborative approach that has enabled the Shapinsay community to secure a valuable asset.”

Councillor Leslie Manson chairs the Council's Asset Management sub-committee, which made the decision on the sale.  He said: “This project absolutely ticked all the boxes for approval and the Committee strongly supported the request

“Thanks to a strong application, the Trust were able to demonstrate a clear vision for the project backed up with support from the community – it is evident that the project will make an enormous difference to life on the island.

“The Trust has a proven track record at delivering on projects within Shapinsay and I look forward to seeing this project progress.