Housing: Rulinvoe

Housing Phase 4: Rullinvoe. In the Summer of 2023, we were approached by a local wishing to sell her house to the Trust. We did a quick community consultation and got the feedback that this was something we should pursue. We successfully secured funding from the Scottish Land Fund, the Rural Housing Fund, and the Orkney Islands Council to purchase and renovate the property. Renovation work began in March 2024 and were completed in January 2025.

During the renovation, we discovered that there was no insulation under the floor when parts of it were dug up for pipework. To ensure the home would be as warm and efficient as possible, we decided to excavate the entire floor and install proper insulation. Additionally, we opted to install underfloor heating to further enhance the home’s efficiency. We also included a heat recovery system to maintain optimal air circulation, making the home even more energy-efficient and comfortable. Below are pictures of the completed project. We hope to have a family in the house within the next few weeks.

Housing Phase 3: Spion Brae – Originally intended to be phase 2 of our housing plan, our Spion Brae site was purchased with help from the Scottish Land Fund. As we are open to adapting as new opportunities arise and this was always going to be a longer term (5 year) project, it made sense to push it back to phase 3. Phase 3 is for 2 semi-detached 3-bedroom family homes and 2 semi-detached 2-bedroom homes for young people. With the Spion Brae site, we hope to also include 3 serviced plots to help young folk in Shapinsay to get into the property ladder. This is a big site with big plans, so watch out for more information on other parts of the website and in the Shapinsay Sound.

Housing Phase 2: Balfour Cottage – Balfour Cottages: A Community Project Update

In February 2023, we were proud to take ownership of Balfour Cottages after successfully securing a grant from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF). Since then, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes — and we’re excited to finally be moving into the procurement stage after a long wait at planning.

As part of the project, we invited the community to two open days and asked for feedback through a consultation survey. The response was clear: those who visited the cottages and saw their condition, and those who completed the survey, overwhelmingly felt that the best option was to rebuild the cottages — keeping their original look, but with a full upgrade to modern standards.

When we looked closely at the work needed, it was easy to see why. The roof would have to be completely removed, floors lifted, chimney walls dismantled, and almost all of the original stonework either replaced or heavily repaired. Windows and doors would also need full replacement. In reality, very little of the original structure could be saved without significant (and costly) intervention.

By rebuilding, we can stay true to the spirit of Balfour Cottages — maintaining their much-loved appearance — while offering new tenants modern, comfortable, energy-efficient homes. The rebuild will also allow for more spacious living: for example, one room alone will grow from 17m² to 26m² simply by moving to modern insulated walls instead of the old, thick stonework.

A further advantage of rebuilding is the financial saving — new builds benefit from a 20% VAT reduction, which will help make the project more affordable overall.

As of April 2025, we are almost ready to complete the procurement phase and apply for funding to get the project underway.

HOUSING PHASE 1: SDT’s Housing Needs Assessment Report undertaken in October 2017 demonstrated that there was a need for affordable Housing in Shapinsay.

In May 2019 SDT was successful in securing a Scottish Land Fund Stage 1 Feasibility grant to undertake further consultation work around the potential location of affordable housing, which ruled out new-build. This consultation also helped us to identify the need to attract young families to Shapinsay.

After further consultation with the community, we turned our attention to purchasing existing properties that had been on the market for over a year, and with grant funding from Scottish Land Fund (Stage 2), were able to purchase two properties in Balfour village: Number 9 in July 2020 and the Schoolhouse in January 2021

Working with a local architect, we put together a list of works required to completely renovate both properties, including extensive insulation and efficient heating systems, and used this to successfully apply to the Rural Housing Fund for grant aid for the works. The Greener homes fund also funded extra insulation, doors and double glazed windows.

At this point the work for each property was put out to tender and local contractors were successful.

Work commenced on number 9 in July 2020 and a little later due to technical problems on the Schoolhouse in February 2021

In July 2020 we created a Housing Subgroup of the Trust, specifically to liaise with the Project Manager in order to ensure the project was on schedule regarding time and budget and to liaise with other relevant agencies, in particular OIC and a Social Housing Manager in order to give informed decisions and feedback to SDT Board.

The Board at this point, approached D&H to be the lettings agency for both properties.

The subgroup, with assistance from OIC and D&H, developed a local lettings policy with a points system weighted to attracting young families to Shapinsay.

Number 9 was completed around May 2021 and is currently occupied by a family.

The Schoolhouse has been completed in July 2021 and is currently occupied by a family, but we will be searching for a new family after May 2025

If you are interested in relocating to Shapinsay and have children of Primary School age, please get in touch.

9 Balfour Village Shapinsay

Ever dreamt of moving your family to a Scottish Island? Of becoming an important part of a tight-knit, warm and welcoming community while having breath-taking scenery just beyond your doorstep?

The Shapinsay Development Trust is looking for a family to move to the Orkney island of Shapinsay and take up residence in a beautiful, trust-owned home in the heart of the main village.

The search is on for a family with 2+ Primary school-age children to play a vital role in keeping the Shapinsay Community School staffed with two teachers and help keep the school roll up. 

Shapinsay has been very fortunate to see so many great families make use of the school. Over the years, a fantastic relationship between families and the school staff has developed. 

The school itself received an absolutely glowing inspector’s report in 2015, finding the staff using innovative practices that Education Scotland would like to see used in other schools. The school also earned a Gold sports award from SportScotland in 2018 for its commitment to sports.

Head teacher of the school Emma Clements said: “Shapinsay School provides a small school experience, but with big opportunities. We have small numbers in our classes, and we strive to give every child an individual experience, according to their needs. We encourage the children to become independent thinkers who are able to take real responsibility. 

“Children take part in pupil groups which set their own targets, and make a difference to the life of the school. Children of all ages also get opportunities to work together, which means that the school has a family atmosphere.

“More children attending the school would mean that it  is able to retain two primary classes going forward. The school is a big part of the community, taking part in community events. In turn,  the community supports the school in many different ways.

“New children and families coming to the school help the children to make new friendships and to learn about different places. New families are included in the life of the school and the community.”

To express in interest in renting the property please contact d and h on 01856 872216 or email enquiries@dandhlaw.co.uk