Orkney Image Library

Yes, it is well worth recording this kind of thing, before global warming and development change the face of Orkney. Why don't they put a canal through there?

There was a canal through there, whether still working or not I do not know. I believe my great grandfather Capt. T D Scott had it dug in the late nineteenth century when he owned Crantit, also mole ploughing and trenching of the marshy ground between Crantit farm steading and Scapa, which we always referred to as The Meadows. It went underground through Nether Scapa and spilled into the sea through a small pier/aqueduct. Last I was in Orkney it had gone so I don't know what has happened to the old canal, perhaps it has fallen in to disrepair. It also served a purpose for the Highland Park distillery when the water from the wash backs were discharged through it, via the burn which runs alongside the Holm Branch.

Sandy, it looks like your thoughts of a canal could save the OIC harbours dept some money. It would save having a seperate pilot launch lying in Kirkwall being generally unused, when they could just nip doon the Crantit canal to do work at Kirkwall from Scapa.

Yes Alastair, the idea appeals to me more and more. The pilot launch could pick up it's milk for the cups o' tea on the way through.