Editing Flotta

{{Short description|Island in Orkney, Scotland}}
{{About|the island of the Orkney Islands|the island of the Shetland Islands|Flotta, Shetland|other places|Flodday}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox Scottish island | 
|Image= Flotta 2007, aerial (geograph 3147704).jpg
|ImageCaption= An aerial view of Flotta from the south-west. The oil terminal is visible to the centre-left, with the airport further to the left. [[South Walls]] is at the bottom and bottom left, and [[Switha]] at the extreme right.
|location_map=Scotland Orkney
|caption=Flotta shown within Orkney
|coordinates = {{coord|58.83|-3.1|display=inline}}
|GridReference=ND352938
|celtic name=
|norse name=Flottey<ref>{{Orkneyinga}}</ref> or Flott-øy<ref name=Smith/>
|meaning of name= "flat island" (Norse)
|area=  {{convert|876|ha|sqmi|1}}  
|area rank=57
|highest elevation=West Hill  {{convert|58|m|ft|0}}
|Population=80<ref name=NRS>{{NRS1C}}</ref>
|population density =9.1 people/km<sup>2</sup><ref name=Smith/><ref name=NRS/>
|population rank= 48
|main settlement= [[Whome]]
|island group=[[Mainland Orkney|Orkney]] 
|local authority=[[Orkney|Orkney Islands]]
|references=<ref name=Smith>{{Haswell-Smith}}</ref><ref>{{Ordnance Survey}}</ref>
}}

'''Flotta''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|l|ɒ|t|ə|}}) is a small island in [[Orkney]], [[Scotland]], lying in [[Scapa Flow]]. The island is known for its large [[Flotta oil terminal|oil terminal]] and is linked by [[Orkney Ferries]] to [[Houton]] on the [[Mainland, Orkney|Orkney Mainland]], [[Lyness]] on [[Hoy, Orkney|Hoy]] and [[Longhope, Orkney|Longhope]] on [[South Walls]]. The island has a population of 80.

==History==
At the turn of the 20th century, the island was a quiet rural community like many other small islands of Orkney, but its sheltered location led to three major upheavals in the island in the century.

Until 1914, Flotta was a quiet farming community. In 1910, a population of 431 included two blacksmiths, four carpenters and three dressmakers.

===World Wars===
[[File:Flotta; The Buchanan Battery (geograph 3746217).jpg|thumb|left|The Buchanan Battery on Flotta]]
{{Expand section|1=<nowiki /> details of [[Second World War]] structures such as the
*Buchanan and Innan Neb batteries
*Naval cinema
*Stanger Head signal station
*Golta Peninsula rocket base
*YMCA building|date=September 2014}}
Everything changed with the arrival of the Royal Navy in Scapa Flow at the start of the [[First World War]]. There is a photograph held by the Imperial War Museum in London that shows a boxing match taking place on Flotta in front of a wartime audience of 10,000 people.

During the First World War, the island was home to a naval base. The [[Battleship|dreadnought]] [[HMS Vanguard (1909)|HMS ''Vanguard'']] sank nearby in 1917, reputedly the worst maritime disaster in UK waters. In the Second World War, the island was again used as a military base.

1918 saw the mass exodus of Navy personnel, and 1939 saw their return. After the Second World War the island had good piers and facilities, but a slowly declining population. It took until 1970 for fresh water to be piped to the island from Hoy.

===North Sea oil===
[[File:Flotta Oil Terminal (geograph 1864141).jpg|thumb|left|Flotta oil terminal]]
In 1974, [[Occidental Petroleum]] started construction of the island's [[Flotta oil terminal|oil terminal]]. This became the second largest major oil terminal serving the UK [[North Sea]], the largest being [[Sullom Voe]] in [[Shetland]].

It took only two years from the start of construction until the first of the crude oil was pumped into the terminal, during which thousands of workers were posted at the "camp" in Flotta to complete the facility as Britain's thirst for oil was growing by the day. The [[Flotta oil terminal]] was opened by the energy minister, [[Tony Benn]] MP, on 11 January 1977.<ref name=Warner>{{cite book| last = Warner| first = Guy | title = Orkney by Air - A photographic journey through time | publisher = Kea Publishing | location = Renfrewshire | date = 2005 | pages = 48–52 | isbn = 978-0-9518958-7-0}}</ref>

The oil terminal provides the landing for the [[Piper oilfield|Piper]] and [[Claymore oilfield|Claymore]] fields pipeline system. In addition, it provides a safe facility for the receipt and transshipment of oil produced from the UK Atlantic margins.

==Geography and environment==
Flotta lies at the southern end of Scapa Flow, with [[Calf of Flotta]] being at the north-east corner of the island. The island of [[Fara, Orkney|Fara]] is {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=on}} across Weddel Sound, to the north-west. Meanwhile, [[Switha]], [[South Walls]] and [[Hoy, Orkney|Hoy]] are each approximately {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Flotta, to the south, south-west and west, respectively. [[Nevi Skerry]] is situated {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Flotta in the Sound of Hoxa. [[South Ronaldsay]] is approximately {{convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Flotta, also across the sound of Hoxa. The highest point on Flotta is West Hill at {{convert|58|m|ft|abbr=on}}, adjacent to the wind turbine. The main population centre is at Whome, which is situated in the centre of the southern half of the island. To the north, Whome is separated from the Golta Peninsula by Pan Hope, a tidal bay.

===Flora and fauna===
Flotta has a seal colony at Stanger Head, at the south-east corner of the island.<ref name=of1>{{cite web|url=http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/pdfs/brochures/orkney_isles_brochure_2013.pdf|title=The Islands of Orkney brochure|publisher=orkneyferries.co.uk|access-date=2014-09-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909032411/http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/pdfs/brochures/orkney_isles_brochure_2013.pdf|archive-date=9 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Royal Navy]] planted 1000 spruce trees during the Second World War, which are situated between Sutherland Pier and the oil terminal, in the vicinity of the Naval Cinema. About 10% of the spruce trees survive.<ref name=of1 /> The oil company has also planted 40,000 trees and shrubs.<ref name=of1 /> Much of the western side of the island is heath, as is the Golta Peninsula to the north-east of the island.

==Community==
[[File:Whomeflotta.jpg|thumb|left|The settlement of [[Whome]] on Flotta]]
{{Expand section|1=<nowiki /> details of 
*Peerie Museum
*Church
*Community Centre|date=September 2014}}

The island has a usually resident population of 80 people in 48 households.<ref name=NRS>{{NRS1C}}</ref> The main centre of population is in the settlement of [[Whome]]. The community primary school is mothballed due to there being no children of that age left on the island.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flotta Community School |url=http://www.flotta.orkney.sch.uk/aboutus.html |access-date=8 July 2018}}</ref>

Healthcare services are provided by the [[Stromness]] Surgery, with a [[nurse practitioner]] based on Flotta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/article.asp?page=257 |title=General Practices (GPs) - NHS Orkney |publisher=NHS Orkney |access-date=2014-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210707/http://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/article.asp?page=257 |archive-date=12 August 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Flotta Fire Station, which is situated next to the school, formally closed on 25 October 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Files/Council/Community-Councils/Flotta-Meetings/2012/2012_Oct_22_General_Meeting_Flotta.pdf |title=Minutes of the meeting of Flotta Community Council 22 OCTOBER 2012 |publisher=orkney.gov.uk |access-date=2014-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908091552/http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Files/Council/Community-Councils/Flotta-Meetings/2012/2012_Oct_22_General_Meeting_Flotta.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The service provided by the fire station was transferred to the [[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service]] on 1 April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firestations.org.uk/Station_Details.php?stn=Flotta%20fire%20station&lat=58.825929&lon=-3.105292 |title= Fire Station Details - Flotta fire station |publisher=firestations.org.uk | access-date= 2014-09-08}}</ref>

The 2.3MW wind turbine, which was installed in 2010, will provide the community with a cash contribution of £100,000 over the lifetime of the turbine.<ref name=fwp1>{{cite web|url=http://www.flottawindpower.co.uk/index.html | title= Home: Flotta Wind Power | publisher= flottawindpower.co.uk | access-date=2014-09-08 }}</ref>

==People from Flotta==

*Prof [[Sutherland Simpson]] [[FRSE]] (1863-1926) physiologist

==Economy==
[[File:Flotta oil terminal 2007, aerial (geograph 3147714).jpg|thumb|right|An aerial view of Flotta oil terminal in 2007]]
[[File:Flotta; Wind Turbine, Ward Hill (geograph 3746197).jpg|thumb|right|The wind turbine on West Hill]]
The main industry on the island is energy production and distribution. [[Repsol]] [[Sinopec]] Energy UK Limited's [[Flotta oil terminal]], processes oil from the North Sea for onward transfer. The oil terminal has been operational for 36 years.<ref name=lurdy>{{cite web|url=http://lurdy.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/flotta-the-flat-island/ | title= Flotta - The flat island | date= 27 May 2011 | publisher=lurdy.wordpress.com| access-date= 2014-09-08}}</ref> Opus Plus Ltd., an environmental research company, is also based within the oil terminal complex. Supplied by German manufacturer [[Enercon]], the 2.3[[Watt#Megawatt|MW]] Flotta wind turbine was brought online in June 2010<ref name=fwp2>{{cite web|url=http://www.flottawindpower.co.uk/history.html | title= History: Flotta Wind Power | publisher= flottawindpower.co.uk | access-date=2014-09-08 }}</ref> at a cost of £3 million.<ref name=fwp1 /> The turbine, which is connected to the [[National Grid (Great Britain)|National Grid]],<ref name=fwp2 /> has a hub height of {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a rotor diameter of {{convert|71|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=fwp1 />

The Orkney Island Council provides employment to several people on Flotta. Farming remains an important source of revenue for the island economy, along with handicraft. A small number of residents are also employed on the Orkney Mainland.<ref name=lurdy />

The island is served by one shop, which operates as a [[general store]], a [[post office]] and a [[petrol station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidindelta/3245395141/ | title= Flotta - The flat island | date= 29 May 2008 | publisher=flickr| access-date= 2014-09-11}}</ref> The nearest supermarkets are situated in [[Kirkwall]], on the Orkney Mainland, which has branches of [[Tesco]] and [[Lidl]].

The island has a mains water supply, and [[borehole]]s are also used. Flotta didn't have a mains electricity supply until 1977, although most households had had their own electricity generators for many years beforehand.<ref name=lurdy2>{{cite web|url=http://lurdy.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/george-barnetts-travels-part-2/ | title= George Barnett's Travels Part 2, Lurdy, Flotta | date= 15 April 2013 | publisher=lurdy.wordpress.com| access-date= 2014-09-11}}</ref> Mains electricity is supplied by [[Scottish Hydro Electric]].<ref name=Ork1doc>{{cite web |url=http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/WITAMY/documents/Welcome%20Pack%20English%20version%202007.doc |title=Welcome to Orkney |publisher=orkneycommunities.co.uk |access-date=2014-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128045134/http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/WITAMY/documents/Welcome%20Pack%20English%20version%202007.doc |archive-date=28 November 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The island is connected to the [[BT Group|BT]] telephone network.<ref name=Ork1doc /> Mobile phone connections can be an issue.<ref name=lurdy /><ref name=Ork1doc /> Broadband internet connection is possible on the island.<ref name=lurdy /> There is no mains gas supply on Flotta,<ref name=Ork1doc /> although coal and heating oil are delivered regularly, and [[Calor Gas]] is stored at the shop.<ref name=lurdy />

In 2005, Flotta was considered to have the potential of expanding the island economy with heritage tourism, and with a particular regard for the Second World War-era structures which are spread across the island.<ref name=OC1>{{cite web |url=http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/COMMUNITYPLANNING/documents/Community%20Engagement/Flotta%20report.doc |title=Community Engagement, Report from Flotta - October 2005 |publisher=Orkneycommunities.co.uk |access-date=2014-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216090702/http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/COMMUNITYPLANNING/documents/Community%20Engagement/Flotta%20report.doc |archive-date=16 December 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The possible development of a marina was also considered, at that time.<ref name=OC1 />

==Transport==

===Marine===
[[File:Sutherland Pier on Flotta - geograph.org.uk - 427684.jpg|thumb|left|Sutherland Pier]]
The island is served by [[Orkney Ferries]] with ferry links to [[Houton]] on the [[Orkney Mainland]], [[Lyness]] on [[Hoy, Orkney|Hoy]], and [[Longhope]] on [[South Walls]]. The ferries berth at Gibraltar Pier,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orkneyharbours.com/pdfs/PortHandbook-2012-V5-Flotta-Gibraltar.pdf |title=Flotta - Gibraltar Pier |publisher=orkneyharbours.com |access-date=2014-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908202543/http://www.orkneyharbours.com/pdfs/PortHandbook-2012-V5-Flotta-Gibraltar.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> also known as Heyspan Pier,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1864143| title=Heyspan Pier | publisher=Geograph| access-date= 2014-09-08}}</ref> which is to the north-west of the island in Weddel Sound. Orkney Ferries' ''South Isles'' service is usually provided by [[MV Hoy Head|MV ''Hoy Head'']], whilst [[MV Thorsvoe|MV ''Thorsvoe'']] serves as a relief vessel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/the_fleet.php |title=The Fleet |publisher=Orkney Ferries |access-date=2014-09-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913071036/http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/the_fleet.php |archive-date=13 September 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Flotta is situated a few miles from [[St Margaret's Hope]] on [[South Ronaldsay]], which has a direct ferry service to mainland Scotland. However, there is no direct public ferry service between Flotta and South Ronaldsay, across the Sound of Hoxa. For a transport connection to the Scottish mainland, one must instead travel by ferry to Houton, and then by road to either Stromness or to St. Margaret's Hope, via a much more circuitous route.

A couple of hundred metres to the south-west of Gibraltar Pier is Sutherland Pier, also in Weddel Sound. Sutherland Pier is used by local vessels of similar size to the ferries. A third public pier, Pan Pier, is situated at the southern side of Pan Hope, the island's central bay. Pan Pier is used by smaller private boats. The oil terminal has its own jetty on the northern side of the island, which has the capability to accommodate oil tankers.

===Airport===
[[File:Flotta; Airstrip terminal (geograph 3746241).jpg|thumb|right|Flotta Airport terminal building, undergoing maintenance]]
{{Main|Flotta Isle Airport}}
[[Flotta Isle Airport]] is located on the south side of the island. It opened in 1976 as an inter-island airport, and changed hands to Elf Exploration UK in 2001. Today, the airport is used only for emergency landings, and [[Air medical services|air ambulances]].

===Road===
The main roads on Flotta are the B9045 and the B9046, which connect the ferry terminal with the settlement of Whome. Flotta has no causeways similar to the [[Churchill Barriers]], which could allow vehicles to be driven to the nearby islands. All road vehicles are reliant on using the ferry to the Orkney Mainland, and to Hoy.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Scottish islands}}
* [[List of islands of Scotland]]

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist
| colwidth = 30em
| refs =
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Flotta, Orkney Islands|Flotta}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061017032704/http://www.flottawebguide.co.uk/index.htm Flotta web guide]

{{South West Orkney}}
{{Orkney Islands}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{coord|58|50|N|3|07|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Islands of the Orkney Islands]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Scotland]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of the North Sea]]