The Orkney Image Library
No: 864 Contributor: Willie Watters Year: 2005
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The remains of the old YM building on the Golta peninsula, Flotta. It looks like it was a substantial building in its day. What was its use, and why did it fall into disrepair? Any pictures of it in its heyday?
Picture added on 26 July 2005
For a couple of pictures of the YMCA building in its heyday, check out the British Legion website, www.rbls-kirkwall.org.uk, in the Memorials, Flotta section.
Added by Phyllis Gee on 27 July 2005
Notes from Richard Shearer's Orkney Vintage Club Visit to Golta on 17 July 2005:
YMCA - The freestone gable and three fireplaces are all that remain of this once magnificent building. Built in 1915 at a cost of around �7, 000, it measures 160 ft long by 36 ft wide. It was lit by electricity from a large generating building at the rear with a separate system for heating and providing hot water for baths and toilets. It provided a welcome rest and recreation centre for the many troops stationed on the island and for the navy, who came ashore at St Vincent pier. It boasted a nine-hole golf course and several tennis courts. The annual Grand Fleet Boxing Championship was held next to the building, where as many as 10, 000 men gathered to watch. Admiral Beatty presented the prizes in July 1917, after which he gave an inspiring speech to the troops.
In 1921, a Stromness firm, Messrs S Baikie and Company, bought the building with a view to creating a holiday resort on Golta. It was to be called the 'Scapa Hydropathic' promoting healthy outdoor pursuits such as fishing, shooting, golf, tennis and walking. However, the scheme never got off the ground and in 1923 the roof was removed and the contents sold.
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YMCA - The freestone gable and three fireplaces are all that remain of this once magnificent building. Built in 1915 at a cost of around �7, 000, it measures 160 ft long by 36 ft wide. It was lit by electricity from a large generating building at the rear with a separate system for heating and providing hot water for baths and toilets. It provided a welcome rest and recreation centre for the many troops stationed on the island and for the navy, who came ashore at St Vincent pier. It boasted a nine-hole golf course and several tennis courts. The annual Grand Fleet Boxing Championship was held next to the building, where as many as 10, 000 men gathered to watch. Admiral Beatty presented the prizes in July 1917, after which he gave an inspiring speech to the troops.
In 1921, a Stromness firm, Messrs S Baikie and Company, bought the building with a view to creating a holiday resort on Golta. It was to be called the 'Scapa Hydropathic' promoting healthy outdoor pursuits such as fishing, shooting, golf, tennis and walking. However, the scheme never got off the ground and in 1923 the roof was removed and the contents sold.
Added by Phyllis Gee on 29 July 2005
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