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Scapa Flow is a large natural harbour in the [[Orkney Islands]] [[archipelago]], [[Scotland]]. It is surrounded by the islands of Mainland, Burray, South Ronaldsay, Swona, Flotta, Hoy and Graemsay. It became a base of the British Royal Navy and was used as such in both World Wars. In 1918, following the [[Armistice]], the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow; on 21 June 1919 51 of the German vessels were scuttled by their crews. Many were later raised and sold for scrap, but those that remain are a popular site for divers. On 14 October 1939 the German [[U-Boat]] U-47 entered Scapa Flow and sank the battleship ''Royal Oak'' with the loss of 833 lives. To guard against further incursions a series of causeways were built by Italian prisoners linking Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay, thius blocking the eastern entrances to the anchorage. A chapel built by the prisoners, using a converted Nissen Hut, has been restored and is a popular visitor attraction on Orkney.

Scapa Flow is a large natural harbour in the [[Orkney Islands]] [[archipelago]], [[Scotland]]. It is surrounded by the islands of Mainland, Burray, South Ronaldsay, Swona, Flotta, Hoy and Graemsay. It became a base of the British Royal Navy and was used as such in both World Wars. In 1918, following the [[Armistice]], the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow; on 21 June 1919 51 of the German vessels were scuttled by their crews. Many were later raised and sold for scrap, but those that remain are a popular site for divers. On 14 October 1939 the German [[U-Boat]] U-47 entered Scapa Flow and sank the battleship ''Royal Oak'' with the loss of 833 lives. To guard against further incursions a series of causeways were built by Italian prisoners linking Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay, thus blocking the eastern entrances to the anchorage. A chapel built by the prisoners, using a converted Nissen Hut, has been restored and is a popular visitor attraction on Orkney.

The naval base at Scap Flow closed in 1956.

The naval base at Scap Flow closed in 1956.

[[Stromness]], on the island of Mainland at the western entrance to Scapa Flow, is a ferry port with links to [[Scrabster]], near [[Thurso]], on the Scottish mainland. Flotta, on the southern side of the Flow, has a major oil and gas terminal.

[[Stromness]], on the island of Mainland at the western entrance to Scapa Flow, is a ferry port with links to [[Scrabster]], near [[Thurso]], on the Scottish mainland. Flotta, on the southern side of the Flow, has a major oil and gas terminal.