Visible from most vantage points around the shores of Scapa Flow, the looming buildings of the Port War Signal Station at Stanger Head once played an important role in protecting Orkney’s wartime naval anchorage.

Made up of a long building with an observation tower at its centre, the Port War Signal Station controlled the movements of all shipping coming in and out of Scapa Flow’s southern approaches during World War Two, as well as acting as the Fire Command Post, co-ordinating the network of gun batteries around the coast.

Although many of the rooms and compartments survive, the stairs to the tower have been deliberately collapsed to discourage visitors from exploring inside. Don’t be tempted to enter because, as is the case with many of Orkney’s wartime structures, the fabric of the building is in very poor condition. Instead, try and picture the scene more than 80-years-ago when this place was a hive of activity. Nearby you’ll see the remains of various other structures, including radio buildings, air raid shelters, searchlight positions, and accommodation blocks.

Closer to the coast lie the remains of the Stanger Head Battery. Over the years this area has become a bit of a dumping ground for the island, and much of the battery was destroyed by the quarrying of stone for the building of the Flotta Oil Terminal. The battery was built to help protect Scapa Flow during World War One and reinstated at the outbreak of World War Two.