Lyness

Lyness is a village and former parish in Orkney, Scotland. It is located on the island of Hoy, specifically in the north-east part of the island facing Scapa Flow.

History:

Lyness is primarily known for its role as a major naval base during both World Wars. The establishment of HMS Proserpine in 1914 transformed the small settlement into a bustling hub of naval activity. The base was crucial for controlling access to Scapa Flow, the primary anchorage for the British Grand Fleet in World War I and later a significant base for the Royal Navy in World War II.

During both wars, the harbour at Lyness was significantly expanded with extensive infrastructure including oil storage facilities, workshops, barracks, and piers. The population of Lyness swelled dramatically as naval personnel and civilian workers arrived, leading to a considerable increase in activity and development in the area.

Following the end of World War II, the naval base was gradually scaled down and eventually closed.

Present Day:

Today, Lyness is a much smaller community. The legacy of its naval past is preserved through the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery, which contains the graves of naval personnel and civilians who died during the World Wars, and the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum, which is located in the former pump house for the naval base's oil tanks. The museum details the history of Scapa Flow and the role of Lyness during the wars. The village serves as a ferry terminal connecting Hoy to the mainland Orkney Islands.