For a thousand years Flotta, the 'flat' isle of the Norsemen at the gateway to Scapa Flow, slumbered. During those long years perhaps the most sensational event came in 1725 when the Laird of Flotta Sir James Stewart an 'irascible and belligerent Jacobite' murdered Captain James Moore of Melsetter in Hoy, in Kirkwall's Broad Street.
Then within the past century the island has suddenly found itself in the spotlight, firstly as a strategic military base in two World Wars and latterly as the location for an oil terminal which has helped keep Orkney's economy afloat.
Like most of the island fringe Flotta's population has been in decline since the turn of this century, despite the sensationally busy War years (the Imperial War Museum holds a remarkable photograph of a World War I boxing match on Flotta with an audience of 10,000!) and the arrival of the terminal.
Flotta has one of the most spectacular 360 degree panoramas in the United Kingdom - the sweep of the Hills of Hoy. the great expanse of Scapa Flow and the hills of Mainland Orkney beyond, to the east Burray and South Ronaldsay, completing the circle by looking out across the Pentland Firth to the Scottish mainland. Interestingly Flotta is thought to be perhaps the only place in Orkney where you can see Kirkwall and Stromness at the same time.
Flotta Oil Terminal - The terminal became operational in December 1976 when crude oil arrived from the Piper platform. Approximately 10°/o of Britain's oil production passes through the Flotta terminal.
Cinema - Constructed around 1940 this building was designed to hold an audience of 1500. The roof now covers a garage in Kirkwall and after the end wall was removed in the 70s, the building was used as a sand store.
Memorial Seat - In memory of an islander this bench has proved a welcome resting point on one of the flat island's 'steep hills'.
Rocket Batteries - This WWII rocket firing battery at Golta was designed to protect important targets from low flying enemy aircraft. The 132 now crumbling shelters form a perfect grid and were used to protect the gun crews and store ammunition for the 66 rocket projectors.
Golta - The Golta peninsula saw much wartime activity. For access please contact Flotta Terminal security on arrival.
Y.M.C.A. - This once magnificent stone-built construction was erected in the early years of WWI. Only part of the wall and the huge fireplace now remain. A post-war plan to reopen the building as a hotel fell through.
St. Vincent Pier - This landing pier was erected by men from H.M.S. St. Vincent and as the foundation stone indicates was finished in 1915. It was used by the navy to land personnel at the Y.M.C.A., where they could enjoy a game of golf.
Boom Net and the Calf of Flotta - The objects sticking out of the water between Golta and the Calf may look like rocks but are in fact hundreds of tons of antisubmarine cable dumped here after World War II: a narrow channel allows boats to pass between the two islands.
Community Centre - There are sporting or social activities in the centre on most evenings. The licensed bar is open on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Buchanan Battery - The well-preserved coastal defence battery was built to guard the navy's main entrance to Scapa Flow. Feel free to explore the many shelters, but remember that extreme care is necessary.
Magnificent Lane - This steep winding road was built by the men from H.M.S Magnificent and leads to Stanger Head.
Kings Hard - Remains of a stone jetty where on July 9, 1915 King George V landed to inspect troops at Stanger Head
Signal Station - Built for the Royal Navy this large complex was used as a communication centre and connected with other stations around the Flow.
Quarry - Most of the stone used in the construction of the oil terminal came from Stanger Head. Much of the army camp which once stood here has been removed.
Cletts - The name given to the stone stacks which can be viewed from the cliff. This part of Stanger Head can be dangerous because there are also gloups or blow-holes in the vicinity which are extremely dangerous. Keep a close eye on children and pets!
Flotta Kirk and War Memorial - The kirk is open to visitors with access through the vestry, there are also many interesting gravestones surrounding the kirk. Across Kirk Bay is the uninhabited island of Switha.
NEB Battery - Along both sides of the road are to be found the remains of many buildings and huts which once stood here. The pump house that once supplied water from the burn stands at the edge of the road. There are two dams. the lower was built in World War 2 and the higher dam in World War I. The battery and ammunition stores are well worth a visit.
Airstrip - The airstrip is 2000 feet long and was built to transport workers during the construction of the oil terminal which has meant so much to the prosperity of Orkney.
Sutherland Pier - This pier was built during WWII
Gibraltar Pier - Constructed during WWII, this pier was modified in 1983 to accommodate the linkspan for Orkney's first inter-island ro-ro ferry.
Ferry timetable
Orkney Ferries summer timetable - 116kb
Island guide
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