In response to the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, Winston Churchill ordered the construction of the Churchill Barriers, making the four entrances to Scapa Flow more secure.
However, not enough people were available to build the barriers, so Churchill had to get creative with international humanitarian laws.
He saw that 550 Italian prisoners of war captured in North Africa were moved to Camp 60 on Lamb Holm, and 530 men were sent to Camp 34 on the island of Burray.
These men were responsible for building the causeways and maintaining the camps.
Today, the barriers connect the surrounding Orkney’s islands so locals and visitors can drive between them.
Note: It is difficult to get an exact number of POWs at each camp from online sources as they differ.
Getting There and Location
The four barriers carry the A961 south from the Orkney Mainland through the islands of Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay. You will cross them on any drive to St Margarets Hope and the Pentland Ferries terminal, so they slot easily into a touring day.
What You Will See
After a German U-boat slipped into Scapa Flow and sank HMS Royal Oak in 1939 with the loss of 834 lives, Winston Churchill ordered the eastern approaches sealed. The result is four concrete causeways, many blocks laid by Italian prisoners of war. Rusting blockships – deliberately scuttled to bar the channels – still break the surface beside them.
What to See Nearby
The barriers link a chain of highlights: the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, the white-sand beaches that have formed against the causeways, and the fishing village of St Margarets Hope at the far end. Scapa Flow, the great wartime anchorage, spreads out to the west.
Practical Tips
Combine with the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm,Look for the wartime blockship wrecks beside the road,Barriers can close briefly in severe gales,Stop at the beaches that formed against the causeways,Drive on to St Margarets Hope for the ferry or lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Churchill Barriers built?
After the U-boat U-47 penetrated Scapa Flow and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak in October 1939, Winston Churchill ordered the eastern channels permanently blocked. The four causeways were built between 1940 and 1945, partly by Italian prisoners of war, and now carry the main road south.
Can you drive across the Churchill Barriers?
Yes, the A961 runs across all four barriers, linking the Orkney Mainland to Burray and South Ronaldsay. In very severe weather waves can wash over them and they may close briefly, but for most of the year it is a straightforward and scenic drive.
