Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM8241_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013318)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a coastal battery of the Second World War, replacing one from the time of the First.

At the beginning of the First World War the western approaches to Stromness and Scapa Flow through Hoy Sound were unprotected. In September 1914 the Navy therefore landed and installed on temporary mountings two 12-pounder quick firing guns at the site now known as Ness Battery, later adding another two at Point of Ness. In 1915, these two batteries were re-armed with 5" and 6" guns produced by the Bethlehem Steel Co. of America, and a third battery was added on higher ground to the NW.

At the end of the War all three batteries were closed and their armament scrapped. Remains of one of the concrete gun emplacements at Ness Battery survives, just in front of the Second World War emplacements.

The Second World War battery was built in 1938 and was operational before the outbreak of hostilities. Its specific role was that of close defence of the western approach to Scapa Flow and support of the examination service. Its armament consisted of two 6" breech-loading (BL) Mk7 guns on central pivot mountings, supported by two 90cm searchlights, underground magazines, an observation post, a fire command post, an engine room and other brick and concrete structures.

The camp was situated immediately next to it. The battery was manned by the 141 Coast Battery until 1945, when it was placed in care and maintenance. It was re-activated for training purposes in 1950, and dismantled in 1956. Despite the dismantling, most of the immovable structures of the battery remain, including a number of the timber camp huts.

The area to be scheduled includes the monument as described above, representing an irregular area situated within the boundary fence and measuring a maximum of 250m N-S by 180m E-W, as marked in red on the accompanying map. The scheduling specifically excludes a modern helipad and associated portacabin used by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it represents a well-built and well-preserved example of a 1930s coastal battery with a number of its timber accommodation buildings still surviving. Its importance is enhanced by the fact that it includes remains of an earlier battery of 1914-18 and formed part of a defensive system for Scapa Flow, other elements of which also survive.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.