There are a range of resources available at the Island of Hoy Development Trust Office in Longhope to help you find out more about Hoy’s WWII heritage and get you started with your own archaeological site research. Please get in touch to arrange a convenient time to visit.
GIS WWII Archaeological Site Database
Contains a comprehensive map-based database of all WWII sites currently recorded on Hoy with descriptions of features and a range of photographs.
Hoy & Walls Historical Aerial Photographic Collection
Contains a comprehensive map-based database of all WWII sites currently recorded on Hoy with descriptions of features and a range of photographs.
Digital Historic Documents, Maps, Plans & Photographs Archive
Contains unit war diaries, operational records, cabinet minutes, official histories, site plans, defence maps and historic photographs from files held by the National Archives of the UK, Kew, London.
Archaeological Equipment (available for loan)
- Garmin Etrex30 GPS
- Leica Disto D810 Laser Distance Measurer, tripod adapter & laser targets
- Velbon Camera Tripod
- 1m Ranging Poles
- Clip boards
- 8m Hand Tape
- A3 Drawing Board
- Photographic Scales
- Stationary & Draughting Accessories
Recommend Websites
Alternatively we highly recommend the following websites which contain further information connected to Hoy’s WWII heritage.
The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre Excellent museum recounting the story of the Lyness Naval Base and Orkney at war.
The Orkney Balloon Barrage Extract history of the Scapa Balloon Barrage by Ginny Schroder.
Aviation Research Group Orkney & Shetland Local amateur interest group specialising in the wartime aviation in the Orkney and Shetland Isles.
Orkney Defence Interest Network Local amateur interest group highlighting the importance of Orkney’s wartime heritage.
Kirkwall Royal British Legion Casualty lists and war memorials as recorded by the Royal British Legion (Kirkwall Branch).
SCRAN Charity & Online Learning Resource – Scottish photographic archive with limited free access hosted by RCAHMS – Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.
Orkney Library & Archive The online catalogue of the Orkney Library and Archive which offers a rich resource for Orkney’s wartime heritage.
The National Archives, Kew Archive catalogue search page for the National Archives.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Scotland Official website of the government agency which contains a catalogue of recorded wartime archaeological sites.