Churchill Barriers
Four concrete barriers built during World War II to block the eastern channel of Scapa Flow. Today they form a road linking the southern islands, and wrecks can be seen alongside.
After German submarines slipped into Scapa Flow in 1939 and sank HMS Royal Oak, Churchill ordered the eastern waterways sealed with concrete blocks. Italian prisoners of war were among those who helped build them, and the work was completed in 1945. The four barriers connect the Mainland with Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay, and the A961 road crosses them. Along the way you can see the blockships, the wrecks deliberately sunk to close the channel. Beside the third barrier there is a sandy beach. Simply driving across is enough, and there are lay-bys along the road for stopping.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Italian Chapel
- Highland Park Distillery
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
- St Magnus Cathedral
- The Orkney Museum
- Kirkwall Old Town & Harbour
- Scapa Distillery
- Scapa Flow