Bay of Houton

A bay and sheltered harbour on the south coast of the Orkney Mainland, the Bay of Houton opens into Scapa Flow, 5½ miles (9 km) southeast of Stromness. Its entrance is partially blocked by the Holm of Houton and a substantial seaplane base was established here during the First World War. This had hangars, concrete aprons, slipways, repair shops and a generating plant, together with an associated accommodation camp for a staff of 600. There was also an observation kite-balloon station on the west side of the bay. The entire facility was sold off in the early 1920s and largely demolished. During the Second World War an anti-aircraft battery was established on the site of the former accommodation camp on the east side of the bay.


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