Standing Building Recording

Date 14 January 2010 - 10 February 2010

Event ID 1093364

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1093364

The Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) was commissioned by the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership (Heritage Lottery Funded) to undertake archaeological building recording and survey at Ness Battery, Stromness, Orkney (HY 2487 0801; Fig. 1). The site comprises two WWII gun emplacements with wooden accommodation huts and the remains of a WWI gun battery. A programme of desk-based assessment, Level 3 building recording, photographic survey, measured survey and artefact recording has provided a basis for the preparation of a programme of conservation and repair at the site. The main phases of activity were identified, including the original farmhouse, Nessbreck, that formerly occupied part of the site, to the construction of the WWI and WWII coast batteries, the decommissioning of the battery in 1955, continued Ministry of Defence ownership and use of the site by the Territorial Army and the purchase of the site by Orkney Islands Council in 2001.

The majority of the huts were demolished or dismantled after decommissioning, although the central complex was retained. Fortunately, the mess hall that contains painted murals dating to WWII was one of the structures that survived. The continuous use and maintenance of the site into the 1990s ensured that the buildings were kept in good condition, but now there are signs of deterioration and the complex of structures is in need of urgent repair.

The survey has highlighted the need for repair to the guttering and roof valleys as a priority to limit further water damage. Much of the exterior weatherboarding also requires repair or replacement.

Information from Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA).