New Scottish MPAs protecting Scapa Flow and Queen of Sweden wreck

By Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell

The Scottish government has announced the introduction of two new Historic Marine Protected Areas to protect the shipwrecks of Scapa Flow and the 18th-century wreck of the historic merchant ship Queen of Sweden.

Scapa Flow, located in the Orkney Islands, is home to the wrecks of the Imperial German Navy’s High Seas Fleet, which was interned there by the British at the end of the First World War.

The ships were scuttled under the orders of German Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter to prevent them from falling into British hands.

The seven German warships that remain in Scapa Flow have become popular with divers, together with a number of British ships sunk during the First and Second World Wars to block enemy vessels from entering the harbour.

‘Wrecked vessels, including those of the German High Seas Fleet, are a significant heritage asset and attract visitors from all over the world, contributing to the economy of Orkney,’ said Orkney Islands Council Leader Heather Woodbridge.

‘Sadly, the condition of the wrecks is deteriorating, and these important remains will not last forever. Officially recognising and protecting these sites is therefore vitally important to maximise their longevity.

‘This Historic MPA will ensure these irreplaceable assets are protected from future human damage or disturbance while still allowing for responsible access, research and education where appropriate.’

Preserving the East Indian Queen

Drottningen af Swerige, or ‘Queen of Sweden‘ was a Swedish East Indiaman, a 147-ft (45m), three-masted merchant vessel that sank at the entrance to Lerwick Harbour in the Shetland Islands in 1745.

Built in 1741, Drottningen af Swerige was the largest of the Swedish East India Company ships, carrying a complement of 130 men and armed with 32 guns.

She was en route to China from Göteborg (Gothenburg) via Cadiz in Spain with another ship, Stockholm, when both ships encountered heavy seas and high winds as they neared Shetland.

Stockholm foundered and sank off Dunrossness near the southern tip of Shetland, while Drottningen af Swerige made for Lerwick, only to strike a rock and sink just a few hours later. The crews of both ships escaped unscathed.

Drottningen af Swerige sank in around 15 metres of water and, although much of her cargo was salvaged, lead ingots, wine bottles and some of her cannon remain for divers to explore. The wreck is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of an East India Company ship.

‘We welcome this Historic MPA designation, which will help preserve an important part of Shetland’s maritime heritage,’ said Shetland Islands Council Leader Emma Macdonald.

‘The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved 18th-century trading vessels, lying in shallow waters and popular with local divers. This designation will provide her with greater protection while ensuring she remains accessible to the diving community.’

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, confirmed the designation of the two new HMPAs to ‘recognise the national importance of the historical marine assets and provide legal protection to ensure their preservation’.

The designation means it is now a criminal offence to remove, alter or disturb any part of the protected sites.

‘These two new Historic Marine Protected Areas – at Scapa Flow, and the Queen of Sweden wreck site in Shetland – are important additions to our network of Historic MPAs, which protect the most significant wreck sites across Scotland’s seas,’ Ms Martin said.

‘The designation of these sites recognises their national value and will help to ensure that future generations can continue to explore, learn from, and be inspired by Scotland’s underwater heritage.

‘I’m grateful for the support from local authorities, heritage bodies, and marine industries in bringing these designations forward.’

Elizabeth McCrone, Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, said: ‘We are delighted that Scapa Flow and the Queen of Sweden have been designated as Historic Marine Protected Areas.

‘These sites are nationally important parts of Scotland’s maritime history and this recognition will ensure they can be protected and enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.’

The Historic Marine Protected Areas for the Scapa Flow and Queen of Sweden join eight other areas in Scotland’s network of Historic MPAs, from more than 240 other MPAs that have already been established in Scottish waters.

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