Cliff Notes
- Scapa Flow has been granted legal protection as a Historic Marine Protected Area, prohibiting the removal or disturbance of items underwater.
- The site, crucial during the First and Second World Wars, contains the UK’s largest concentration of warship wrecks, with 52 of 74 German ships scuttled in 1919.
- The designation aims to preserve not only the Scapa Flow site but also the remains of the Swedish ship Queen of Sweden, ensuring their protection for future generations.
Legal protection for Scapa Flow site where German fleet was scuttled during First World War | UK News
.
The site where German sailors deliberately scuttled their High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War has been awarded legal protection in Scotland.
Scapa Flow has been designated a Historic Marine Protected Area by the Scottish government, making it a criminal offence to remove, alter or disturb items at the Orkney Islands site.
In June 1919, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered German crews to deliberately sink the vessels that were being held by the Royal Navy in the Scottish harbour.
The decision was made amid fears of post-war peace talks failing and the fleet subsequently being seized by the British and potentially used against Germany.
Of the 74 ships being held there, 52 were sunk.
The Scottish government said Scapa Flow played an important role as a naval base during the First and Second World Wars and includes the “largest concentration of warship wrecks” in the UK.
Some of the wrecks and sunken artefacts have been salvaged over the years, with the waters remaining popular with divers.
The site of a Swedish ship which sank off the coast of Shetland during strong winds in 1745 was also designated as a Historic Marine Protected Area.
The Queen of Sweden, built in Stockholm in 1741 to trade with China, is one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland.
It is hoped the legal designation will help to preserve the two sites.
MSP Gillian Martin, cabinet secretary for climate action and energy, said: “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.”
The designations will come into effect on 1 November.
Orkney Islands Council leader Heather Woodbridge said: “Wrecked vessels, including those of the German High Seas Fleet, are a significant heritage asset and attract visitors from all over the world, contributing to the Economy of Orkney.
“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.”
