Scapa Flow Museum and around about on Hoy.

 

A few weeks ago I accompanied friends for a trip over to the island of Hoy to see the newly refurbished Scapa Flow Museum.  Now it is ostensibly a war museum, of which I am not a fan.  But this is much more. Documenting how Scapa Flow was used as a naval base during both World Wars and focusing on historic events and how they impacted individuals.  My photos don't do it justice so here is a link to a much more comprehensive explanation and photos of exhibits.  Scapa Flow Museum Link

The museum was officially opened by Sir Chris Hoy (tenuous link - Scottish Olympic Cyclist with a surname of Hoy.... maybe not ask too deeply on that one....).  Anyway Sir Chris also took part in some cycling events on the island with young and old and maybe inspired a few folk to get on two wheels! Or, 3.....

When I first moved to Orkney I lived on Hoy, at the South end, Longhope, with a view to the Scottish Mainland.  I was only there for 6 months when winter became too wild for me to spend in a caravan on Graemsay!  Anyway it was nice to be back on the island for the day and drop in on one or two folk.  The ferry journey takes about 45 minutes and you can sit in your vehicle (unusual on ferries) or up on the open deck (chilly!).

WWII in Scapa Flow - from one end to the next - yup even incorporating Graemsay!

The pump house - used to pump fuel from huge underground tanks to fuel all the fleet.

And then up the road to the north end of Hoy (the actual parish of Hoy).  I love the wildness here, lots of heather moorland and the highest hills in Orkney.

Views across to Orkney Mainland.

Those lovely Hoy hills

Drive carefully!  Cattle grids keep the sheep in (mostly) on the hills.

My favourite sleeping dragon/dinosaur.  Miss that view from Graemsay!

And an essential stop at Beneath t' hill cafe.  Highly recommended.  Great crab rolls and coffee!

Then off down the road - 18 miles to Longhope and to visit friends who have this as a view from their house.

A lovely day out.