Visitors to the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray are in for a treat this summer following the opening of a new craft and heritage trail.

The trail has been created by the Westray and Papa Westray Craft Association - formed after a community conference identified areas offering the most potential for developing the islands. A recent tourism survey also highlighted opportunities for the islands which led to the association developing the idea of the craft and heritage trail.

The trail promotes the work of crafts and arts producers on Westray and its close neighbour Papa Westray. Heritage sites of special interest are also featured which means a wide range of attractions are on offer for visitors.

The trail was set up with financial help and guidance from the Orkney Marketing Scheme which is funded by Orkney Enterprise, the Orkney Islands Council, and the European Regional Development Fund.

The Westray and Papa Westray Craft Association received assistance under the scheme towards the design, photography and printing costs of 25,000 colour leaflets. The brochure also includes other useful information like how to book overnight accommodation on the islands.

Lizza Hume, chair of the association, said, "We know how well the Orkney Craft Trail has worked on the mainland and we feel sure that our trail can mirror this success and attract a number of new visitors to the islands. There has been a lot of enthusiasm for this project which has helped us put it together so quickly."

The range of crafts on the trail includes both original and limited edition paintings, chairs, knitwear, cushions and throws, hand turned wood products and jewellery. Although all of these can be seen and bought in the workshops and studios on the trail, a dedicated summer craft exhibition at Seatters Gallery in Pierowall displays a sample of the work visitors can expect to see on the trail. Orkney Enterprise provided assistance of £2,535 (pounds) towards the exhibition costs.

A recently made ten minute video has also been produced to promote the craft trail and the islands' wildlife and heritage. With help from the Orkney Marketing Scheme, it has been produced by local journalist David Hartley and cameraman Ken Amer, and will be played on Orkney Ferries vessels which sail into the North Isles.

Maureen Shearer who administers the Orkney Marketing Scheme, added: "Increasing the number of things to see and do is economically very important as this encourages people to stay longer - which benefits other businesses such as those providing accommodation.

"This is another good example of how Orkney Marketing Scheme assistance has been effectively used. Although this has now closed, we are still able to consider requests for marketing assistance as part of a wider business development through our normal assistance schemes."