Loth Pier, Sanday

A super day in Sanday today with perfect weather too.

It was an early start, but we all made it to Kirkwall for the ferry at 7.20.

From the moment we arrived at Loth, to our departure on the ferry this evening, we were looked after and treated as special guests. 
A minibus was waiting for us at the pier and took us to the community centre for the day's meetings. See extra for the message on the screen as we all sat down for coffee and introductions.

Our cohousing group and representatives from the Care for Sanday committee each gave presentations about our projects. In the sessions that followed it was really useful to share experiences - both of triumphs and disappointments. We could see many ways in which it would be helpful to work together in the future.

Whilst our housing project is for people who want to live independently but together, within a community, the Sanday group are looking at care for later in life.
Care 4 Sanday want to build a sheltered housing facility for the island - somewhere that can offer 24 hour care for those who are no longer able to look after themselves at home. With no care home on their island, at present elderly residents have to move to Kirkwall if they need full time care. This takes them away both from their home and familiar surroundings and from the support of friends and family.

Fuelled by a heavenly lemon drizzle cake the afternoon discussions were equally productive.

As we left to get the ferry home our hosts presented us with two bags containing a complete picnic tea for the journey back. 

The bar has been set very high for refreshments when the Sanday group come to pay us a return visit....