The Churchill Barriers that link the southern islands of Orkney have been purchased by Orkney Islands Council.

Churchill Barriers looking towards the mainland

Built during World War two as a defence against submarine attack following the sinking of the Royal Oak in 1939, the barriers now form an important road, linking the southern islands with the mainland.

The council purchased the barriers from the MoD for a nominal fee in order to address an “anomaly” in the ownership of the road network but this sale has also given the local authority ownership of the seabed underneath the barriers.

The purchase from the MoD may lead to a marine energy project harnessing tidal flows beneath the installations.

David Hartley of Orkney Islands Council said:

“Orkney Islands Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has discussed possible options for incorporating renewable energy generation within the Churchill Barriers”.

“Members agreed there should be more detailed discussions of the proposals at a future meeting of the Policy Resources Committee – and on potential options to tackle the problem of waves breaking over Barrier No. 2 during severe weather conditions”.Similar Posts:

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What is your favourite Orkney experience?

Local people are being encouraged by Orkney Islands Council to vote on the best experiences that Scotland’s islands have to offer.

Being run by the Scottish National Rural Network, the ‘100 Best Things on Scotland’s Islands’ vote is part of Scotland’s Islands Year of Culture, a programme of events and activities planned to showcase the island’s vibrant cultures and creativity, natural environment and quality produce.

The Year of Scotland’s Islands aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations.

The programme, which includes over 140 events across 42 islands, showcases the music, arts, food, sport, history and heritage of the islands, as well as highlighting their unique beauty as visitor destinations.

Orkney Experiences

A number of Orkney ‘experiences’ have already been nominated, including the scenic cliffs at Yesnaby and the Mull Head walk.

Scotland’s Islands Year of Culture has provided funding towards a number of events in Orkney this year including the Sanday Soulka, the Deerness in 100 objects exhibition and the Orkney Book Festival.

Council Convener, Stephen Hagan, said: “The 100 Best Things on Scotland’s Islands vote will provide an ideal showcase for the amazing experiences available in Orkney. For me it has to be a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent, iconic building steeped in the history of our islands.”

“Scotland’s Islands has been a huge project which has boosted tourism within Orkney, and created a lasting legacy of collaboration and interaction with our fellow island communities.”

Scotland National Rural Network website editor Norette Ferns said, “We’re excited to be launching our 100 Best Things on Scotland’s Islands list. Whatever your favourite island experience is, we want to hear about it! We’re expecting well known attractions and hidden gems to make the list. We also expect to get many more than 100 comments and won’t put a limit on the number of contributions.”

You can add a comment on the 100 Best Things on Scotland’s Islands Forum at www.ruralgateway.org.uk, on the Scottish National Rural Network Facebook page or tweet @SNRNwebsite using hashtag #scotislands100.

More information

The Scottish National Rural Network  – Add your comment on the Scotlands’ islands forum

Scotlands Islands - You can find out more about the celebration of Scotland’s island culture and details of events taking place.

The Scotland’s Islands initiative has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Other supporters who have contributed to the funding of the programme include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.Similar Posts:

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Make the most of your visit to Mull Head by calling into the Mull Head information centre in this popular Orkney walking and wildlife area.

Mull Head is a great place to see Orkney's wildlife

The Centre which opened in 2008 features displays about the geology, wildlife and history of Mull Head, including the unique bird life of the area and how farming has influenced and contributed to the landscape.

There are also public toilets and a picnic table. A whiteboard allows people to note flora and fauna sightings, as well as interactive and hands-on displays for children such as fossil rubbings.

The centre has recently had a roofing upgrade and a new sign has been put in place at the Mull Head car park to help direct visitors to the facility.

Custodian and Access Officer Stephen Jenkinson said: “Mull Head is a popular walking choice this time of year, and many people may not be aware that a Centre is there for them to use.

“It’s extremely well equipped, with a fully accessible path and disabled parking and wheelchair friendly toilets, and is just 100 metres from the main car park for Mull head and the Gloup.

“The Centre provided a popular base for many of the recent Deerness in 100 Objects project – we hope it will continue to be used as another information hub for the community and visitors alike.”

The Mull Head information centre is open every day.

More information

Discover Mull Head – Orkney Islands’ Council official websiteSimilar Posts:

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A new eight mile circular walking trail has opened on Flotta, Orkney, Scotland.

The end of the trail at Stanger Head. Pic Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership

The Flotta Trail takes in an array of wartime archaeology including the Naval Cinema and the Port War Signal Station, as well as the moorland of West Hill and the dramatic scenery of Stanger Head.

The trail starts at the pier, runs along the coast and then returns along the island’s lanes.

Funding has been received for the Flotta Trail from Orkney Islands Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In addition, Talisman Energy match-funded the interpretation panels and path work. A complementary leaflet, showcasing the range of interest to be found on the island – including the Flotta Trail – has also just been produced by the Flotta Partnership.

This new leaflet is now widely available, including at tourist information offices and the SFLPS office in Stromness.Similar Posts:

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The pre reformation Tankerness House in Kirkwall is now home to the Orkney Museum, but has a wealth of history of it’s own.

The frontage of Tankerness House belies what lays behind

Opposite St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall is Orkney’s finest town house, with the first pre reformation structures built as manses for the Archdeacon and Choir Master of St. Magnus Cathedral.

Following the reformation in 1574, it became home to Gilbert Fulzie, Kirkwall’s first Protestant priest.

The street front to the house does little to illustrate the large building that lays behind.

Built  around a rectangular courtyard with a large walled garden, it was acquired in 1641 by James Baikie and at this point was given it’s name of Tankerness House.

Baikie

Baikie, like many other names in Orkney can be traced back to it’s viking past and James Baikie, who was a successful Kirkwall merchant was descended directly from Paul Baikie, navigator to King Håkon IV in 1264, mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga’s. James’ son Arthur Baikie became Provost of Kirkwall.

The west wing of the house was built by James Baikie in the 1640s and the family continued to live there, renovating and developing the property until

The large, well manicured gardens with the Groatie House in view

1951.  Tankerness House was then passed to Kirkwall Borough Council and later came under the care of the Orkney Islands Council.

Extensive restoration was carried out in 1968 when it was converted into Orkney Museum, telling the story of Orkney from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum now houses artefacts from Orkney’s prehistoric past, native pictish peoples and the viking invaders and settlers.

Orkney’s commerce is also well represented with collections from local businesses and fishing industry.

Walled Garden

The beautiful walled garden of Tankerness house is planted with herbaceous borders surrounding a neatly manicured large lawn area.

Somewhat protected from the Orkney elements, the garden has a few rockeries and an area close to the house where herbs are grown.  At the bottom of the garden is a strange tower shaped building with a conical roof, known as the Groatie Hoose.

Groatie Hoose

A square box like room with it’s conical roof appears to have been in the garden of Tankerness House for many years. However, the story behind this building involves pirates, a large fire and a restoration project.

More information

Orkney Museum – Find out more about the collections and opening times.

Groatie Hoose - Discover the story behind this strange building

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Tuesday, 8 May 1933 marked the start of what would become the longest continuously-operating scheduled air service in Europe and probably the world. It was to be called Highland Airways.

Commemorating this adventure, started by Captain Ernest Fresson, is a cairn overlooking the current Kirkwall airport.

Fresson Cairn overlooking Kirkwall airport

Unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hagan, the convener of Orkney Islands Council, the monument is positioned at the site of Orkney’s original airstrip at Wideford Farm.

The cairn is topped with a bronze model of a de Havilland Rapide, sculpted by local sculptor Gary Gibson.

The plaque on the monument states: “On 8th May 1933 Capt Ted Fresson in Highland Airways Monospar G-ACEW landed the first scheduled air service from Inverness on this site which was Orkney’s first aerodrome”

Fresson Cairn - Kirkwall

Almost a year after the first scheduled flight Fresson started the UK’s first scheduled internal airmail service on the 29 May 1934.

Captain Fresson is also credited with the first Tarmac airstrip at the nearby Hatston airfield. These are acknowledged as the first runways in Britain.

He died in 1963.

Fresson Trust

The Fresson Trust was founded in the spring of 1991.

It is a Registered Charity in Scotland.

Further information

The modern Kirkwall airport

Tributes to legendary Highland flier - BBC News

Mpu Goes Big Game Hunting at Grimsetter -The Special Occasion was the 75th Anniversary of the first scheduled flight from Inverness (Longman) to Kirkwall (Grimsetter).

Flying Scotsmen - The writer Eric Linklater used to tell the story of a memorable flight with Captain Fresson.

Original envelope sent by Fresson Airmail 1934Similar Posts:

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For thousands of years the Orkney Isles have been seen by mariners as a great place to stock up with provisions before or after a great sailing expedition.

SAGA Ruby visiting Kirkwall in 2009

In modern times the safe harbours offered by Orkney were the last stopping point for ships heading out across the Atlantic to the New World and beyond.

Today this tradition continues with cruise liners frequently stopping in the waters just off Kirkwall and Stromness.

Orkney is now Scotland’s favourite cruise destination and third most popular in the United Kingdom.

According to a survey conducted in 2008 cruise ships boost Orkney’s economy by more than £2.8 million a year.

These ships deliver more than 30,000 passengers and 10,000 crew in to the local shops, restaurants and historic sites.

This accounts for around 25% of Orkney’s total annual visitors.

The average spend per passenger on shore was £49,  with 94% of total passenger numbers coming ashore either to tour or shop.

Popular destination

Around 70 ships visit the islands every year.

The survey was commissioned by the Orkney Islands Council’s Director of Harbours, following a generic report by the same agency on European Cruise Ship ports and their economic comparative data.

Already scheduled for arrival in Orkney during 2010 are some well known cruise liners including:-

• Statsraad Lehmkuhl – a three-masted barque rigged sail training vessel owned and operated by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation.
• Ocean Countess – Operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages
• Oriana – Operated by P&O Cruises
• SAGA Ruby – Operated by SAGA holidays
• ms Eurodam – Operated by Holland America Line

Tall ships

Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Kirkwall

Orkney is one of 12 harbours around Scotland to be selected as a guest harbour to play host to Tall Ships during The Tall Ships Races in July 2011.

Both Greenock and Lerwick are official host ports within the race series, and plans are taking shape to encourage Tall Ships to visit to Scottish Guest Harbours during the cruise in company leg between Greenock and Lerwick from July 12-21.

Shetland is taking the lead to develop the nine day sail between these ports, a non-competitive leg of the Races series.

For further information about The Tall Ships Races-Lerwick, please visit www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com

Further information

Cruise Scotland website – Breathtaking scenery, stunning cities, haunting history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a variety of ports large and small make Scotland the perfect cruise destination.

Orkney Marine Services – Marine Services provides all pilot launch and pilotage services directly as well as Vessel Traffic Services for Scapa Flow and approaches and the Kirkwall Harbour area.Similar Posts:

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This Kirkwall Ba’ Game is the traditional mass ball game also known as the Uppies and Doonies, played in the town’s streets on Christmas Day and new Year’s day, starting at 1300 GMT.

Commemorative Ba' game plaque at St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

The Uppies attempt to get a leather ball to a wall at the top of Kirkwall town whilst the Doonies do everything in their power to get the ball the Kirkwall harbour. Once the ball reaches one of the ‘goals’ a second battle ensues to see who in the winning team can get posession of the ball and keep it.

The exact origin of the Orkney Ba’ game has been lost in time but records indicate it’s existence is over 300 years old, with folklore suggesting it dates back to the Earldom of the Vikings to commemorate the defeat of a Scottish tyrant called Tusker.  The heads of enemies were said to be the forerunner to the leather football used today.

In recent years, the fun has been tinged with politics, as the local council worry about the threat of injury claims.

Orkney Islands council cover the cost of damage to property and shop windows during the very physical game which is also a huge social event culminating in a big celebration.

The Ba’ game in pictures – Magnus and Charles Tait’s archive of the Ba’ Game on Bagame.com

Ba’ game history on the Orkneyjar website

Ba’ in the press - Ba’ game legal threat fearsSimilar Posts:

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