St Mary's

Settlement in Orkney

Scotland

St Mary's

Blockship in Holm Sound During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways — Blockship in Holm Sound Credit: Eirian Evans

St Mary's is a small island located in the Orkney archipelago, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. With a land area of approximately 61 square kilometers, it is the largest of the Orkney islands. St Mary's is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife.

The island is home to a population of around 500 people, mainly residing in the main settlement known as Kirkwall. Kirkwall serves as the commercial and cultural hub of St Mary's, offering various amenities such as shops, restaurants, and museums. The town also boasts the impressive St Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent medieval structure that dates back to the 12th century.

St Mary's is known for its archaeological treasures, with several Neolithic sites dotting the landscape. The most famous of these is the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic stone circle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient monument is believed to have been constructed around 2500 BC and continues to captivate visitors with its enigmatic beauty.

The island's rugged coastline and diverse habitats make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Seabird colonies, including puffins and guillemots, can be spotted along the cliffs, while seals and otters can often be seen in the surrounding waters. St Mary's also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

With its stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage, St Mary's is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Scottish island experience.

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St Mary's Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.89619/-2.9194285 or Grid Reference HY4701. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Blockship in Holm Sound

During World War I blockships were deliberately sunk in smaller channels of Scapa Flow to prevent the possibility of the Germans gaining access to the waterway. These proved inadequate in WWII so the construction of several permanent barriers were begun in May 1940, known as Churchill Barriers. Some of the blockships are still visible from these causeways

Eirian Evans

Blockship in Holm Sound

Eirian Evans

The jumbled concrete blocks of Churchill Barrier No 2

David Medcalf

The Italian Chapel, Orkney

The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. They created a façade out of concrete to conceal the shape of the hut and make the building look more like a church.

David Dixon

The Italian Chapel (interior)

The Italian prisoners constructed the chapel from limited materials in the form of a tin tabernacle. It comprises two Nissen huts joined end-to-end. The corrugated interior was then covered with plasterboard and the altar and altar rail were constructed from concrete left over from work on the barriers. Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena.

David Dixon

The Italian Chapel, Sanctuary and Altar

Most of the interior decoration was done by Domenico Chiocchetti, a prisoner from Moena. He painted the sanctuary end of the chapel and his fellow prisoners decorated the entire interior. Like other Italian soldiers, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card given to him by his mother before he left home to fight in the war. Chiocchetti’s painting above the altar was based on the image of the Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino on that card.

David Dixon

Madonna and Child above the Altar at the Italian Chapel

David Dixon

Painted Glass Window at the Italian Chapel

The remarkable and beautiful little chapel on Lamb Holm was built by Italian prisoners of war who had been captured during the North African campaign. There were a total of 550 Italian POWs of whom 200 were billeted on the tiny islet of Lamb Holm. They had been moved to Orkney in 1942 to build the "Churchill Barriers" which link several islands and islets to Mainland, Orkney and make the naval base of Scapa Flow far more secure. While on Orkney the prisoners of Camp 60 on Lamb Holm were given permission to build a place of worship. Under the brilliant leadership of Domenico Chiocchetti they transformed two old Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel, particularly remarkable considering the limited materials at their disposal. The huts were placed end-to-end making a double-length hut which was then remarkably embellished. It was completed in 1945, shortly before the end of hostilities, with Chiocchetti remaining behind after he was released in order to finish the decoration. In 1958, the Chapel Preservation Committee was set up by a group of Orcadians and Chiocchetti returned to the chapel he had masterminded in 1960 to assist with restoration work. When he died in 1999 a memorial requiem mass was held at the Chapel in his honour, attended by his wife and daughter.

David Dixon

War Memorial and Statue of St George outside the Italian Chapel

The sculpture of St George, sitting on his rearing horse, slaying a dragon with his lance stands adjacent to the car park at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. It was created by one of the Italian prisoners-of-war, artist Domenico Chiocchetti. It was completed on the 7th August 1943 and set up in the camp parade square on top of a plinth with the inscription 'P di G, Italiano, Li 7-8-1943'. P di G stands for prigioniero di guerra - Italian for Prisoners of War. This detailed work of art is impressive in its own right; however, its creation from scrap barbed wire and cement, along with its story as a symbol of hope, make it all the more remarkable. The statue preceded the chapel and in some ways, it helped to pave the way for the ornate sanctuary by strengthening the relationship between the prisoners and the camp commander, Major Buckland.

David Dixon

Two Huts outside the Italian Chapel

Related to the administration of tourist access to the chapel. The hut on the left is the box office where you pay; the one on the right is presumably used as a storage facility.

David Dixon