Island community in Orkney awarded money to purchase 1,700 acres of land

Islanders in Orkney have been awarded £260,000 to purchase more than 1,700 acres of peatland and pasture. The Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust (REWDT) have welcomed the funding which they say will allow it to employ a project officer and ranger. They also hope to promote tourism on the island of Rousay and encourage people to make the island their home, which at present has 216 residents. The name of Rousay is derived from the Old Norse word Hrólfsey meaning Rolf's Island. Rousay is one of approximately 70 islands, of which 20 are inhabited, that make up the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Rousay is rich in history, with over 100 identified archaeological sites having been identified, most of which have not been excavated. There is evidence from every stage in the history of Orkney, with a Neolithic settlement at Rinyo, Bronze Age burnt mounds, Iron Age crannogs and brochs, Viking boat burials and the remains of a medieval church. It is also home to Trumland stately home and gardens.