Throughout May 2026, Scapa Flow Museum, Lyness, Hoy is looking for contributions from the public to take part in ‘Voices From Scapa Story Month’ – a month-long initiative dedicated to gathering and celebrating the lived experiences of people connected to Scapa Flow and the wider Orkney islands.
Ellen Pesci, Curator, explained:
“As both a curator and an Orcadian, I’m constantly working with the stories that make up Orkney’s wartime heritage. But what I’m most excited about with this project is what we haven’t heard yet, the experiences still held in families, the memories that never made it into the museum. We need to gather these stories now, to honour them and ensure they’re not lost.”
The story collectors are seeking people, islanders and those with connections to the islands – past and present – to come forward with their stories. From wartime memories tied to the First and Second World Wars, to everyday life, work, businesses, and unique or quirky family events which reflect the impact of the World Wars on everyday life, all contributions are welcome. The aim is to capture the rich and varied voices that reflect life across the islands, both on Hoy and beyond.
These contributions will form the foundation of Voices From Scapa Flow, an ambitious new project made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund; led by Scapa Flow Museum and supported by The Space and Museums and Heritage Highland. Working closely with the museum team and the local community, the project will create a series of compelling audio stories that bring Orkney’s history to life through personal perspectives.
The finished audio production will bring together:
- Reimagined material from existing sound archives
- Newly recorded original family stories
- Readings from written historical records
These stories will be presented in multiple formats:
- As immersive listening experiences at Scapa Flow Museum, enhancing the visitor journey through dedicated in-venue listening posts
- As a podcast series, available via the Orkney Museums website and major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, opening access to a global audience with an interest in Scapa Flow and its people
At its heart, ‘Voices From Scapa Flow’ is about community ownership. The project provides a platform for local voices while actively encouraging contributions from anyone, near or far, who feels a connection to Scapa Flow’s history—from the World Wars to the present day.
By sharing stories, contributors will help preserve and shape a living archive that reflects not just historical events, but the human experiences behind them.
How to Get Involved
Members of the public are encouraged to submit their stories, – including those memories passed down through family history – express interest, or find out more by contacting:
Scapa Flow Museum warmly welcomes contributions of all kinds – whether recorded, written, or simply shared in conversation – as part of this collective effort to honour and preserve Orkney’s heritage. Submissions can be made either in writing or orally in the form of a voice note, and the contributor does not need to be an eyewitness
This project is part of the Highlands and Islands Digital Heritage Network, building digital capacity in the rural heritage sector. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by The Space and Museums and Heritage Highland.
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