Churchill Barrier

Another great meal last night and a glorious morning for our return crossing from Orkney.

We had about 2 hours to spare after breakfast so we explored the area linked by the Churchill Barriers. You can see two of them in my blip; the first linking Barray to Glimps Holm and the second, to the right, linking Glimps Holm to Lamb Holm. There is another linking to Mainland from Lamb Holm and one in the other direction linking Barray to South Ronaldsay.

If you don't know the story most of the British fleet was moored in Scapa Flow in the First World war. The waterways between these islands were made difficult to enter by scuppered ships and other large obstacles that can still be seen. So in the Second World War Britain was a bit complacent about the vessels being kept here and this allowed a U-boat to get in and destroy HMS Royal Oak. Churchill ordered the building of barriers across these waters so the only entrance to Scapa Flow was from the south. After the war they were kept and roads were built on them.

On Lamb Holm there is an Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war housed here after the North Africa campaign. It is built from two Nissan huts and is remarkably decorated inside.
It wasn't quite finished when they were all moved to Skipton for repatriation. It has been beautifully kept.

Then off to South Ronaldsay for one last visit to the Hoxa tapestry gallery. Fantastic woven tapestries. Unfortunately I couldn't photgraph or afford them.

We had a great crossing, staying on deck the whole time. The most moving sight is the island of Scoma. You can clearly see the houses, lots of them but all empty. Only sheep living there now.

An afternoons drive has brought us to 'our' beloved wee hoose. A very warm evening and we are having a cool drink and just taking in that view. Cooking for ourselves now. After tea we will no doubt go to the beach to complete a great day.