Historic shipwreck gets extra protection

THE SITE of an 18th century shipwreck off the Knab in Lerwick has been confirmed as a new Historic Marine Protected Area by the Scottish Government.

The 147-feet long Queen of Sweden (Drottningen af Sverige) sank in 1745 after she hit rocks in a storm just outside Lerwick.

The area the vessel came to rest in is a popular site with local divers.

The designation, which comes into force on 1 November, recognises the national importance of the wreck and makes it a criminal offence to remove items, or to alter or disturb the site.

Visiting Orkney on Monday, cabinet secretary for climate action and energy Gillian Martin confirmed the Scapa Flow naval base and the Shetland site as new historic MPAs.

Scapa Flow has the largest concentration of warship wrecks and other wartime artefacts in the UK. It played an important role as a naval base during the two World Wars of the 20th century and was the location of the internment and scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War.

Referring to the Shetland site, Martin said the Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland.

“The designation of these sites recognises their national value and will help to ensure that future generations can continue to explore, learn from, and be inspired by Scotland’s underwater heritage,” she said.

“I’m grateful for the support from local authorities, heritage bodies, and marine industries in bringing these designations forward.”

Shetland Islands Council leader Emma Macdonald welcomed the move.

“The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved 18th-century trading vessels, lying in shallow waters and popular with local divers,” she said.

“This designation will provide her with greater protection while ensuring she remains accessible to the diving community.”