Old anti-aircraft batteries are dotted around the coast, with other sites like the Churchill Barriers and the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum in Lyness more obvious reminders of our military past.

HMS Tern is another often-overlooked part of our wartime history. It was one of four airfields in the islands during WWII and was part of the Royal Navy’s presence here during the conflict. Found near the village of Dounby, you can just see a cluster of old buildings from the road. From above, though, you can quite clearly identify the remains of the airfield's runways.

The majority of the buildings are relatively derelict but thanks to the hard work of the Birsay Heritage Trust and the Aviation Reseach Group Orkney & Shetland (ARGOS), the site has been tidied up and some of the remaining structures are now open to the public, with tours available too.

During tours visitors can see the former cinema and fire station, as well as getting exclusive access to the iconic control tower on the site. Stories about the airfield and the men stationed there also form a large part of the tour, which are a great way to get a feel for life in Orkney during the conflict.

Other details

The site will be open between 11am and 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays during the summer months (April to September). Some of the buildings will be open with volunteers on site to welcome anyone wanting to visit. Entry is by donation with all proceeds going to the Birsay Heritage Trust to help develop the site. Please note, for safety reasons the Control Tower will only be accessed during guided tours.

Guided tours are available at 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays between April and September. There is no need to book. Tours include visits to the Fire Station, Cinema, and Control Tower.

Occasional tours are available between October and March - find out more on the HMS Tern website or on Facebook.

If you would like to arrange a tour, please email hmsternadmin@birsay.org.uk.

Please note: there are toilet facilities at HMS Tern – these toilets are for visitors to the site only and will only be open when volunteers are on site, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays between 11am and 4pm during the summer months, and for those on scheduled guided tours.