Sanday Shipwreck saved for the nation thanks to National Heritage Memorial Fund support

Orkney Islands Council has received £80k from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), on behalf of the Sanday community, for a huge freshwater tank to house shipwreck timbers discovered on the island’s shores earlier this year - protecting them for future research.

Offering their expertise and connections in the wake of the find, the Council’s Museums team sought the blessing of islanders and their Development Trust to apply on their behalf to NMHF – a funder of last resort with a focus on heritage at risk - for construction of the interim conservation tank for ‘the Sanday Shipwreck’.

The shipwreck - which captured the nation’s imagination when it rose from the sands of Sanday following winter storms earlier this year– is thought to be an internationally significant 17th century design, possibly of Dutch origin.

The custom-designed tank will enable the wreck to be stored, fully submerged in fresh water on site in Sanday, protecting it from deterioration for two to three years while further research is carried out into its identity and significance.

Currently under fabrication by Aberdeen-based Waterfront Stainless Steel at their Orkney workshop, the tank - measuring 8m long by 4m wide and a metre high - is expected to be ready for transporting to Sanday and installed at the island’s Heritage Centre in September.

Specialist archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology who along with the Council’s archaeologist Paul Sharman advised the community on early conservation and recording of the wreck, will be on hand later in September when the tank is delivered to Sanday to supervise lifting the wreck into its temporary home.

The team from Wessex Archaeology and Dendrochronicle was quick to arrive on the scene in February to carry out initial sampling and recording of the timbers. They’ve since secured funding from the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme to carry out archaeology training and workshops with the Sanday community, delivered alongside Sanday Heritage Group and archaeological conservator from Orkney, Wendy Robinson.

The tank will be fitted with a roll-top lid, enabling access for researchers and interested visitors by appointment. Some of the funding will also be used to present information on the wreck at the Sanday Heritage Centre.

For now, the Council’s Culture Team Manager and naval historian Nick Hewitt, is relieved to be in this position: “I don’t think there is any doubt in anyone’s mind that this is a remarkable wreck in uniquely good condition, possibly from what was one of the naval superpowers of the time.

“We’re very grateful to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for their support, and for answering our call for help so quickly, so that we could act with speed to help secure the wreck from further damage now, thus enabling the ongoing research it demands.”

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “The Sanday shipwreck is an exciting discovery, but many questions remain about where, and when, it originates. We are pleased to award this funding to Orkney Islands Council to protect and preserve the shipwreck, ensuring its survival and the chance for future research to determine its place in our maritime history.”

Clive Struver is Chair of the Sanday Development Trust: "I am incredibly proud of how our Sanday community, Orkney Islands Council, and experts from around the country have come together to protect and promote this remarkable discovery.

"It's heartening to see everyone drawing on their expertise and connections to ensure its preservation.

“The support we've received, including the vital funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, underscores the importance of this shipwreck not just to Sanday, but to our shared maritime heritage.

“The Sanday Heritage group is looking forward to continuing the work to safeguard this incredible piece of history for future generations."