Built for Defence, Now for Connection: 80 Years of the Churchill Barriers

Today, the 12th May 2025, marks 80 years since the official opening of the Churchill Barriers — a set of four remarkable causeways that link the Orkney Mainland to Orkney's southern isles, including our beautiful home island of Burray, where we handcraft every drop of our unique spirits.

The third Churchill Barrier, taken just a few weeks ago on a gorgeous sunny day.

Originally built during the Second World War as naval defences to protect the navy's Anchorage in Scapa Flow, the barriers were commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1940 after the tragic sinking of HMS Royal Oak at its moorings. Italian prisoners of war, held at Camp 60 in Lamb Holm (just next door!), carried out much of the construction. In fact, those same prisoners went on to build the stunning Italian Chapel, one of Orkney’s most beloved landmarks.

Camp 34 Lemon Gin, a special edition by Orkney Gin Company.

Other camps were set up to aid in the barrier building and war efforts, including the lesser-known Camp 34 - a name some of you may recognise through our gin. We named our special edition lemon gin after Camp 34, a bright and zesty ode to the Italian Prisoners of War in Burray. Several war prisoners distilled their own spirits on the Island—perhaps they were the first Burray Distillery!!

The construction of the barriers in the 1940's, from Orkney Museum.

What began as a wartime necessity has become an essential part of everyday island life. The barriers are now vital road links, joining Mainland Orkney with South Ronaldsay, Burray, Glimps Holm and Lamb Holm. They’ve not only united our communities but also opened up opportunities for small, local businesses — like us.

Here at Orkney Gin Company, we feel the significance of the barriers every day. Without them, everyday tasks like transporting ingredients, or sharing our award-winning gin across Orkney and beyond would be far more challenging.

These stone causeways have become a quiet but constant part of our story — just as they are for so many who live and work across the isles.

A block ship, the first attempts at defending the anchorage in Scapa Flow, These sadly failed, which resulted in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak by a German U-Boat.

Here are some quick facts to toast this 80-year milestone:

• The barriers stretch a total of 2.3 kilometres across Scapa Flow.

• Over 66,000 concrete blocks were used in their construction.

• They were officially opened in 1945, but remained under military control until 1948.

• Today, they serve as popular scenic routes for visitors exploring the South Isles, offering stunning sea views and glimpses of local wildlife.

• There is a secret 5th Barrier, sometimes known as 'the practice barrier', which connects the small island of Hunda to Burray. It can be seen by driving to the end of the Littlequoy road in Burray. Unfortunately, it is not accessible by foot or by car as it is on private farm land.

As we raise a glass this year — perhaps filled with our signature Aatta or Rhubarb Old Tom — we’re not just toasting good gin, but also the history, resilience, and connection that the Churchill Barriers represent.

Here's to 80 years of links built strong, and spirits distilled with island soul.

Cheers!

The Orkney Gin Company Team, Burray