This project is being developed in collaboration with the HMS Royal Oak Association.

The proposed memorial building and garden – to be located above Scapa Beach – would commemorate the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, providing a quiet space for locals and visitors alike to learn more about the tragedy and reflect peacefully on the loss of lives.

Planning for this proposal is at an early stage as external funding for the project will need to be sought by the council before the plans can go ahead.

Meantime, feedback from those who have a connection with the Royal Oak and the general public will help develop the project for potential funders to consider.

Consultation events will take place as follows:

• Tuesday 4th February - drop-in session at Kiln Corner in Kirkwall from 11:00am – 3:00pm with a presentation at 7:00pm
• Wednesday 5th February - drop-in session at the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness from 11:00am – 3:00pm with a presentation at 7:00pm
• Thursday 6th February - online presentation at 6:00pm

On 14 October 1939, HMS Royal Oak was anchored at in Scapa Flow when she was torpedoed by a German submarine.

Of the crew of 1,234 men and boys, 835 were killed that night or died later of their wounds. The loss of life is commemorated locally each year, with a marker buoy lying at anchor above the wreck site.

The memorial garden would include an installation engraved with the names of those lost, with the main window of the proposed building facing directly out towards the wreck site.

Whilst there is currently an existing HMS Royal Oak memorial building at Scapa - which in the main provides a home for wreaths previously laid at the wreck site – it is felt that there is scope for a more extensive and fitting memorial.

Commenting on the plans, council convener Graham Bevan said: “The potential new building will provide a fitting reminder of this tragic event in the nation’s naval history and its significance in Orkney’s past.

“Most importantly it will be a memorial commemorating of the loss of life suffered by the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak and the impact on the many families who were caught up in the tragic loss of their loved ones.

“It is fitting, given Orkney’s affinity with these events that a suitable memorial should be available, for everyone to remember the event and it is important that in Orkney we make a concerted effort to maintain a suitable quiet place for remembrance and reflection. I look forward so supporting this project as it develops.”

Gareth Derbyshire, speaking on behalf of the Royal Oak Association, said: “Our Association has been delighted to have been involved in this project since its initiation in 2021 and recognises the time and effort that has been invested so far by the team at Orkney Islands Council. The proposed memorial building and garden will be a fitting commemoration to the loss of not only HMS Royal Oak and the 835 men and boys from her crew but also other vessels in Scapa Flow.

“We hope that the public consultation will allow those with a connection to the ship and the public in general to appreciate the potential development of the site and offer the opportunity for feedback which can be used to deliver enhancements to the existing proposals and support the subsequent planning application process.”

Gavin Fraser, project lead for HRI Munro Architecture, which has worked on the concept designs, said: “To be involved in developing the future of the site commemorating the HMS Royal Oak, and the broader Scapa Flow is a rare opportunity and a great privilege for our design team. “The concept of the building, content and landscape are simple; to draw the visitor on a journey, informing them of the history and significance of location, ending on the final view over the harbour to the buoy marking the HMS Royal Oak’s final resting place.

“The building and landscaping utilise a limited palette of materials: Orkney drystone walls, black cladding and steel. The steel focusing on areas of particular significance; view, names of the lost, and information.

“It will be a quiet thoughtful experience, a memorial with implicit muteness, stillness and gravity. Giving the visitor places to stop and contemplate the location, its meaning and impact.”