Puffins, Pizza & Community: A trip to the Islands of Papay and Sanday

Hub News

31 Jul

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Orkney islands of Papay (Papa Westray) and Sanday to meet with their Development Trusts and get a feel for the amazing community work happening on the ground.

In Papay, Jennifer from the Development Trust took me along for a brilliant tour of the island, just as locals were gearing up for the annual Papay Fun Weekend. The island was gorgeous and bright with colours, there were puffins nesting along the cliffs and Scottish primroses everywhere. I met with James the Gardener, who shared his knowledge of growing food in the island’s unique conditions, and even got stuck in at a sheep shearing session, helping to roll fleeces and soak up the sense of teamwork that comes with island life.

Over in Sanday, I was welcomed by Kieron from the Development Trust, who introduced me to a number of people leading brilliant local projects. I got to know Jim and Jake, two gardeners who are not only growing produce but also working on dune restoration which combines climate action and community care. After meeting with Jim and Jake, I popped into the Sanday Craft Hub to meet David and Tracy, who are supporting local creatives and building connections across the island. Later, I caught up with Dan, Chair of the Sanday Business Forum, to hear how businesses on the island are working together to strengthen the local economy.

Obviously no visit would be complete without food so I stopped in for lunch at the UK’s most northerly woodfired pizzeria. A very tasty treat and a perfect example of rural enterprise thriving in rural communities. Yummy!

Francesca PerottiClimate Action

Francesca Perotti

Francesca grew up in Italy, but her wanderlust led her through various countries until she made Orkney her home in 2022.

She has worked in the renewable energy sector and holds a Bachelor in Geography from Paris Sorbonne IV and an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh.

Francesca is passionate about understanding the relationships between people and places, how this forges placemaking and intersects with social justice issues. Not surprising for a geographer! She is committed to a just transition and to communities leading their own future.

In her spare time, she is usually organising social gatherings with her friends, attempting to garden (when the Orcadian weather allows it), exploring local sites, attending local community events and learning about other cultures. She still loves travelling and makes sure to try the local delicacies everywhere she visits.

https://hiclimatehub.co.uk/francescaperotti