Images courtesy of Fiona Newton
Second World War structures at Scapa Flow have been recognised as being of national importance by Historic Environment Scotland.
The barriers were constructed during World War Two as a defensive measure to prevent enemy ships and submarines from entering Scapa Flow, which housed the bulk of Britain’s fleet at the time. The move was ordered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in response to the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in Scapa Bay in October 1939, by a German submarine, which was able to evade the ineffective submarine defences in place at the time.
The solid causeways prevented access from the east into the four channels leading to Scapa Flow. Today the barriers provide a vital road link from the Orkney mainland to South Ronaldsay.
There are four barriers in total, two of which will be listed at Category A – the highest status for listing. This means that they are recognised as being of national or international importance. Only around 8% of Scotland’s 47,000 listed buildings are recognised at this category.
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