Found in the heart of Scapa Flow, Flotta has a rich wartime heritage and wonderful wildlife highlights, making it one of Orkney’s most underrated islands.
About Flotta
Flotta might only be around three miles wide but this quiet isle has played a major role in some of the Orkney’s most important historical events. A vital base for the Royal Navy during both World Wars, Flotta was home to thousands of servicemen and women and the remains of military buildings are found dotted across the landscape.
Then, in the 1970s, oil arrived in Orkney and the construction of the sprawling Flotta Oil Terminal saw the island change forever. Often ignored because of the industrial nature of the facility, Flotta offers so much more once the terminal is behind you and you begin to explore this peaceful community.
It’s an island easily accessible by ferry, and perfect for discovering by foot or bicycle. Its varied coastline and moorland offer excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities too, ensuring that, whilst possibly overlooked, Flotta should never be underestimated.
Useful information
- Food & drink
At the time of writing there is a community-run café at the school that opens during the summer months. Visit in the early afternoon between mid-June and mid-August most days of the week to meet members of the local community and enjoy a small bite to eat. Check for opening times in the ferry waiting room before dropping in.
The Flotta Shop is the only other source of food and drink in the island, but it does only stock a limited number of options.
- Shopping
The Flotta Shop feels like stepping back in time thanks to its wooden shelves and shop counter. Once packed with good and groceries, these days it stocks a limited selection of soft drinks, confectionery, and crisps. Anyone planning a visit for a day or longer should bring some extra supplies with them.
At the time of writing, the shop is open during the morning between Monday and Thursday and on Saturday, and on Friday afternoons.
- Fuel
There is no petrol or diesel available in Flotta, but the island is small enough to be easily explored on foot or by bicycle, so a car isn’t essential.
- Public toilets
There is one accessible unisex toilet available at the Flotta Pier.
Daily ferries connect Flotta with neighbouring Hoy and the Orkney mainland.
Getting to Flotta by sea
Orkney Ferries operates sailings to Flotta on a daily basis, running a triangular route that links the island with Lyness in Hoy and Houton on the Orkney mainland. It’s a beautiful, usually sheltered crossing, with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities as the vessel crosses its corner of Scapa Flow.
Bicycles are accepted on-board. Book your ferry tickets online via the Orkney Ferries website, and contact the ferry company directly for more information on all its services.
Getting around Flotta
There is no public transport or bike hire available in Flotta, but it is another of Orkney’s relatively flat islands and can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. The main roads are quiet and our wartime walking trail and Flotta Heritage cycling trail offer accessible routes around the island.
Guided tours
Although there are no locally-based guiding services available in Flotta, you can use our walking and cycling routes to help you explore the island. There are information boards throughout Flotta too, offering more details on nearby sites and points of interest.
If you’re feeling fit, join Ride Orkney for a guided mountain bike tour of Flotta.
Flotta is an ideal destination for military and wartime enthusiasts.
However, the island also offers one of Orkney’s best small heritage centres and plenty of unique nooks and crannies to explore.
Our Flotta heritage walking and cycling trails offer accessible routes around the island.
