Sandsayre Pier

Hoswick and Sandsayre are two areas within the scattered rural community of Sandwick. In 2000 the community of 850 local people were concerned that the small Visitor Centre was threatened with closure. The 150 year old Sandsayre pier was dilapidated, this stone-built pier plays a major role in the village. It is the departure point of the ferry sailing to the Island of Mousa.

The study of this project and it’s results led the community to form the Sandwick Social and Economic Development Company to develop and deliver a programme of integrated projects. The community-run company has secured and preserved the listed structure of Sandsayre Pier, brought obsolete buildings at Sandsayre into social and economical use and re-built derelict garages at Hoswick, making them available as useful space in a redevelopment. It has developed modern, high-quality facilities and resources to meet expectations of visitors and local users, including an interpretive displays at Sandsayre Shore, a ferry information point and waiting room.