Hatston slipway with WW2 links to undergo repair works

Repairs are due to be carried out to the Hatston slipway in Kirkwall to ensure its long-term future and continued use by folk in the county. 

The Hatston slipway is now used by leisure groups, clubs and small crafts, but at one time folk would have watched the launch of sea planes from the nearby Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Hatston during the Second World War -standing as a reminder of the darker days of war, 

The Council improvement works being carried out include repairs to concrete deck slabs, cope beams and foundations including works below the water, in addition to fitting new mooring rings and a pedestrian handrail to upper part of slip.  

Following discussions with key users of the slipway, access will be maintained throughout as much as is possible.  

Local contractor, Andrew Sinclair Ltd, is due to start work on site the week of 8 July.  

The Council’s Service Manager Engineering, David Custer, said: “The Hatston slipway has a long history associated with RNAS Hatston, commissioned as HMS Sparrowhawk from 1939 to 1945 and for a time was used for seaplanes stationed at Hatston during the Second World War. In more modern times, it has been used for deployment of renewable energy devices and is also a much-used leisure and recreational facility used by local clubs for sailing, rowing and kayaking as well as other small craft.  

“We very much hope that the investment and improvement works will be welcomed by users, and we will try to keep disruption to a minimum.  

“At 22 metres, the slipway is much wider than most others in Orkney and a significant part of the works are repairs to copes beams on either side so this should be able to be done while maintaining a limited access.  

“There are works to deck slabs across the full width of the slip and need to be programmed for spring tides later this year. With various regattas in mind, we have planned this particular section of work to take place after the sailing season in September.  

“We understand that there will be a level of inconvenience to users but please bear with us as we undertake the improvements.”  

The project should take around 16 weeks to complete.