Special legal protection announced for Orkney shipwreck sites
Summary
Legal protection has been established for shipwreck sites around Orkney, including German warships scuttled in 1919. The sites will have Marine Protected Area (MPA) status, preventing unapproved removal of items to preserve their historical importance. This new protection aims to maintain the cultural heritage and encourage exploration by future generations.Key Facts
- The Scottish government announced legal protection for World War One shipwrecks in Scapa Bay, Orkney.
- The German High Seas fleet was deliberately sunk by its crews in 1919.
- An MPA designation means it's now a crime to take items from the shipwreck sites without permission.
- Orkney Islands Council supported the MPA status, concerned about the warships' historical significance.
- Certain British warships in Scapa Flow are considered war graves and require special access permissions.
- Historic Scotland previously flagged seven German fleet wrecks as scheduled monuments, allowing only non-intrusive diving.
- The Queen of Sweden wreck, lost in a 1745 storm, also received MPA status.
- MPAs aim to preserve underwater heritage and promote valuable tourism for Orkney.
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