Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre community turbine

The Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust operates a 900kW wind turbine with a subsidiary company that generates a steady income for the islands. The wind turbine produces around 3.5 MW of electricity per year. In 2009-12, community-owned wind turbines were built in Westray, Eday, Hoy, Rousay, Stronsay and Shapinsay. Despite issues of grid curtailment, these turbines have provided significant income for the island development trusts, projected for their 20-year use life.

Completed in 2011, the Rousay turbine reused an old peat track which once provided access to extensive peat banks in the area. The site offers panoramic views across the district of Sourin, including other peat cutting areas, and across Rousay Sound to the island of Egilsay.