Latest news with #ElizabethMcCrone
The National
11-08-2025
- General
- The National
Legal protection announced for 2 Scottish shipwreck sites
Two sites off the coasts of Orkney and Shetland have been recognised as nationally important to Scotland's marine history and have been granted special legal status under the Historic Marine Protected Areas. The Scapa Flow site off the coast of Orkney has been recognised due to it having a number of different historic marine assets, including the largest concentration of warship wrecks and other wartime artefacts in the UK. The island played an important role as a naval base during the two World Wars of the 20th century and was the location of the internment and scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War. READ MORE: Pod of 23 whales found dead on Scottish beach after mass stranding The Queen of Sweden, one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland, was also named under the new legal protections. The ship was built in Stockholm in 1741 to trade with China - the largest ship built for the company at that time – and sank off the coast of Shetland in 1745 during strong winds. Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the designation would protect some of the most significant wreck sites in Scotland's waters. (Image: Scottish Government) She said: '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. '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.' The first Historic Marine Protected Areas were designated by the Scottish Government in 2013 to identify and protect marine historic assets of national importance which survive in Scottish territorial waters. It is a criminal offence to remove, alter, or disturb any of the protected sites across the country. For decades, items were allowed to be removed as long as their recovery was registered, leading to hundreds of items being added to private collections or becoming museum pieces. Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, Elizabeth McCrone, welcomed the news as she said the sites can be perceived and enjoyed for generations to come. She 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.' Orkney Islands council leader Heather Woodbridge said the wrecked vessels, including those of the German High Seas Fleet, are a significant heritage asset to the island. She said: ' 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.' Shetland Islands council leader Emma Macdonald also welcomed the news as she said: '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.'
The Herald Scotland
11-08-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
World War naval base and Swedish ship given protected status
The Scapa Flow site off the coast of Orkney has a number of different historic marine assets including the largest concentration of warship wrecks and other wartime artefacts in the UK. It played an important role as a naval base during the two World Wars of the 20th century and was the location of the internment and scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War. The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland. She was built in Stockholm in 1741 to trade with China - the largest ship built for the company at that time – and sank off the coast of Shetland in 1745 during strong winds. READ MORE: The first Historic Marine Protected Areas were designated by the Scottish Government in 2013 to identify and protect marine historic assets of national importance which survive in Scottish territorial waters. It is a criminal offence to remove, alter or disturb any of the protected sites across the country. Confirming the designation of the two sites on Monday during a tour of the Scapa Flow site, Ms Martin said: '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. '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.' The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland Elizabeth McCrone 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.' Orkney Islands Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said: '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. "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.' Shetland Islands Council Leader Emma Macdonald said: 'We welcome this Historic MPA designation, which will help preserve an important part of Shetland's maritime heritage. 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.' The Historic Marine Protected Areas for the Scapa Flow and Queen of Sweden designations will come into effect on November 1, 2025.
Daily Record
07-08-2025
- Daily Record
Stunning Highlands road with 'photogenic' bridge and incredible views of towering peaks
The gorgeous stretch of A-road has been named one of the most scenic in the entire UK. A breathtaking Highlands road winding through dramatic landscapes and crowned by a striking bridge has been named one of the most scenic in the UK. The A894 in Sutherland, part of the popular North Coast 500 route, has been highlighted by The Telegraph as one of Britain's top ten most scenic A roads. Described as a "road to savour", it offers a journey through some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring scenery, including towering peaks and serene lochs. The 23-mile route begins at Skiag Bridge near Loch Assynt and continues through the rugged beauty of Assynt, an area famed for its remote wilderness and dramatic mountain ranges, Express reports. Along the way, travellers are treated to views of iconic peaks such as Suilven, Canisp, and Quinag. The road follows the winding course of Skiag Burn and provides access to brilliant walking routes. There is also a potential detour to Eas a' Chual Aluinn, Britain's highest waterfall, which plunges 650 feet near the far end of Loch Glencoul, several times the height of Niagara Falls. For years, visitors took boat trips aboard The Statesman from Kylesku to view the spectacular cascade. While that vessel no longer operates, the tradition continues with summer trips aboard the Rachael Clare, departing from the village slipway. The undisputed centrepiece of the A894 is the Kylesku Bridge, officially named Drochaid a' Chaolais Chumhaing. This sweeping concrete box girder bridge curves gracefully over Caolas Cumhann where Loch Glencoul meets Loch Glendhu, and has become a landmark in its own right. It was described by The Telegraph as 'possibly the most photogenic' bridge in the country. Construction of the Kylesku Bridge began in 1982, and it was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984. In 2019, the structure was awarded Category A listed status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), marking it as a nationally important site for both its design and historical significance. Elizabeth McCrone, Head of Designations at HES, said at the time: 'Drochaid a' Chaolais Chumhaing / Kylesku Bridge is one of Scotland's most architecturally distinguished bridges of the second half of the twentieth century, and is among the most outstanding of its type in the country. 'As well as its architectural significance, the bridge is also an emotive and poignant reminder of the modernisation such civil engineering projects brought to remote areas of the Highlands, and the subsequent impact they had on traditional ways of life. 'Today, the significance of Drochaid a' Chaolais Chumhaing / Kylesku Bridge is reflected in its growing status as a tourist attraction along the North Coast 500 route, and we're delighted to recognise its national importance with Category A status.' The A894 ends at Laxford Bridge, completing a route that is fast becoming a favourite among road-trippers seeking to experience the wild charm of the Highlands. As part of the North Coast 500, a 516-mile circular journey beginning and ending at Inverness Castle, it draws thousands of visitors each year looking to explore Scotland's remote beauty. At just 23 miles, it is one of the shorter routes on the Telegraph list - but it packs beauty into every mile. And it is joined on the scenic round-up by another iconic Scottish road, the A82. Starting in Glasgow city centre as Great Western Road, it lives up to its name by travelling up to Fort William on the west coast before continuing to Inverness. It is the second-longest road on the list at 167 miles and passes two of our most famous spots Loch Lomond and Loch Ness en route, as well as passing one of the key locations in James Bond film Skyfall near Glen Etive. To see the full list, go to The Telegraph website.
