Happy Valley, West Mainland

Edwin Harrold moved to Bankburn in 1948. He created a peaceful and beautiful garden with water features along the burn and planted many trees – it became known as "Happy Valley". He encouraged locals to visit and walk in the gardens. As there was no mains service to Bankburn, Harrold built a dam for a water supply and developed a mini-hydroelectric system, the remains of which can be seen today.

It’s not certain when the hydroelectric system was built, but an air photo from 1964 clearly shows the dam and generator house. Water was fed down a small leat to a handmade overshot wheel which powered an alternator. The water flow could be controlled from the house, effectively turning the lights on or off! Remains of the 12V circuit survive inside the house. The generator house has been removed but the layout of the hydro system and the dam can still be seen. There are plans to restore the water wheel.

The house and land are owned by Orkney Islands Council and managed as a nature reserve, supported by the Friends of Happy Valley.