LEGAL protection has been announced to preserve a World War naval base and the remains of a centuries-old Swedish ship off Scotland’s coast.
Two sites off the coasts of Orkney and Shetland have been recognised as nationally important to Scotland’s marine history and have been granted special legal status under the Historic Marine Protected Areas.
The Scapa Flow site off the coast of Orkney has been recognised due to it having a number of different historic marine assets, including the largest concentration of warship wrecks and other wartime artefacts in the UK.
The island played an important role as a naval base during the two World Wars of the 20th century and was the location of the internment and scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War.
The Queen of Sweden, one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland, was also named under the new legal protections.
The ship was built in Stockholm in 1741 to trade with China – the largest ship built for the company at that time – and sank off the coast of Shetland in 1745 during strong winds.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the designation would protect some of the most significant wreck sites in Scotland’s waters.
She said: “These two new Historic Marine Protected Areas – at Scapa Flow, and the Queen of Sweden wreck site in Shetland – are important additions to our network of Historic MPAs, which protect the most significant wreck sites across Scotland’s seas.
“The designation of these sites recognises their national value and will help to ensure that future generations can continue to explore, learn from, and be inspired by Scotland’s underwater heritage. I’m grateful for the support from local authorities, heritage bodies, and marine industries in bringing these designations forward.”
The first Historic Marine Protected Areas were designated by the Scottish Government in 2013 to identify and protect marine historic assets of national importance which survive in Scottish territorial waters.
It is a criminal offence to remove, alter, or disturb any of the protected sites across the country.
For decades, items were allowed to be removed as long as their recovery was registered, leading to hundreds of items being added to private collections or becoming museum pieces.
Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, Elizabeth McCrone, welcomed the news as she said the sites can be perceived and enjoyed for generations to come.
She said: “We are delighted that Scapa Flow and the Queen of Sweden have been designated as Historic Marine Protected Areas. These sites are nationally important parts of Scotland’s maritime history and this recognition will ensure they can be protected and enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.”
Orkney Islands council leader Heather Woodbridge said the wrecked vessels, including those of the German High Seas Fleet, are a significant heritage asset to the island.
She said: “Sadly, the condition of the wrecks is deteriorating, and these important remains will not last forever.
“Officially recognising and protecting these sites is therefore vitally important to maximise their longevity. This Historic MPA will ensure these irreplaceable assets are protected from future human damage or disturbance while still allowing for responsible access, research and education where appropriate.”
Shetland Islands council leader Emma Macdonald also welcomed the news as she said: “The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved 18th-century trading vessels, lying in shallow waters and popular with local divers.
“This designation will provide her with greater protection while ensuring she remains accessible to the diving community.”
