The Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme is a three year project which has been set up to deliver 48 projects which are focussed around the Scapa Flow area.  The project staff have been in post since July 2009. Through this website, we want to share what we are doing with you. We hope you will be interested - we have a very wide range of work, including events and training opportunities which you may well want to take part in.

 

Brief History
 
Over the last few years, a partnership of organisations led by Orkney Islands Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB, have been working to develop the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme. Over 80 organisations and individuals are now involved.
 
Originally the concept was to invest in the wildlife, archaeology and cultural heritage of Orkney as a whole. Guidance from Heritage Lottery Fund – now the largest funder of the Scheme – resulted in the decision to narrow down the area covered by the Scheme.
 
Many people and organisations contributed to the development of the Scheme. A long process, including community consultation, led to the finalisation of the proposals, and their submission to funders in October 2008. Funding approval was finally given in March 2009, releasing £2.1 million towards 48 individual projects which will conserve, enhance and promote the heritage of the Scapa Flow area.
 
The Landscape Strategy
 
The Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme is funded for three years, but the work it delivers is defined by a Landscape Strategy. A copy of the Landscape Strategy can be downloaded from this site - click on the Landscape Strategy button on the menu on the left of this page to find out how.

 

The Strategy has the following vision:
 
To create a deeper and more unified understanding of the Scapa Flow area’s landscape, including the natural, built, and historical landscapes, and to promote and support its sustainable management, use and enjoyment by as many people as possible – locally, nationally and across the world.
 
There is a long-term commitment to this Vision Statement. The current programme of investment is thus the start of a longer-term process which will continue to highlight the crucial importance of the distinctive heritage of the Scapa Flow area, take action to counter threats to this heritage, and seek opportunities to enhance the heritage assets and ensure that they are appreciated and understood.