Former Orkney naval base to get revamp

A former naval base in Orkney will be given a £3million redevelopment to put the islands at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

Lyness harbour on Hoy is to be transformed into a base for marine renewables firms who have shown “significant interest” in setting up in Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council is now looking for contractors to start work on the £3million first stage of development, which is expected to take nearly six months to complete.

The development will include a heavy crane lift platform, more than 43,000sq ft of concrete surfacing, an electrical sub-station and pier lighting, bollards and fenders.

The deepwater harbour was known as HMS Proserpine in World War II, when it was a supply base for warships using Scapa Flow.

John Orr, the authority’s head of engineering and environmental services, said the harbour was the ideal location for the development.

Mr Orr said: “We are preparing for the expected increase in activity in the renewables market, because we want to take full advantage of it. There is already a fair amount of renewable energy activity in Orkney, for example wave and wind power.

“As a council we still want to do more, and the Lyness harbour redevelopment will create additional berthing space suitable for servicing the various renewable energy companies interested in setting up here.

“Lyness is ideally located for the purpose, and the fact it is a deepwater harbour makes it the perfect site.

“We have already had significant interest in the area, and if this continues we will be looking to further develop the harbour.”