Orkney Image Library

Seeing this Photo brings back memories of swimming at Scapa Pier where a group of us youngsters used to jump off the Pier near the steps and swim about before coming back out. It would have been about 1950 and very warm weather, I was the only one in the water about 10-20 yards off the steps when Lenny (Snipe) Miller who was up on the Pier near the end shouted! there's a Shark in the water,pointing down to the water. I shouted back 'Get lost!' or words to that effect. I looked towards the end of the Pier and saw the black Fins coming slowly in sight and I swam the fastest few yards to the steps that I have ever swum ,and out of the water. We watched the Shark swimming slowly about, before heading out into the Flow. Afterwards we found out it was a Basking Shark and supposedly harmless. I have never forgotten the shout "Shark!in the water!" Added by Phil brough.