Hackness Martello Tower
A round Napoleonic-era gun tower and battery at the southern tip of Hoy, built to protect convoys from American and French privateers.
The Martello Tower and the battery beside it were built between 1813 and 1815 to guard the merchant convoys gathered in Longhope Bay. They were reused during World War II. Inside the tower you can see soldiers' quarters, an ammunition store, and a replica gun on the roof, and guided tours are available from Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The site is remote, about 10 km south of Lyness, so it is best visited when driving around Hoy.
Opening hours
HES-managed site; approx. 09:30–17:30 Apr–Sep, shorter or closed in winter (check the HES website)
Nearby sights
- Scapa Flow Museum
- Scapa Flow
- Dwarfie Stane
- Maeshowe
- Standing Stones of Stenness
- Barnhouse Settlement
- Unstan Chambered Cairn
- Ring of Brodgar