Have a say on future of Blair’s rare guns
FirstWorldWarweaponscouldreturnonlong-termloan
Two historic and rare guns that once belonged to Blairgowrie and Rattray could be returned to the town.
The move comes as national heritage organisation Historic Environment Scotland has confirmed that they would be happy to give the weapons to the town on a long-term loan.
However, the firearms - one of which is understood to be unique in the world - would have to be on public display and be kept under some sort of cover to protect them from the elements.
The guns have been described as “very important survivors of the First World War” and rare.
They were among hundreds captured in the Great War and subsequently given to towns and villages throughout the UK by the War Office.
One was given to Blairgowrie and one to Rattray in 1919 but they were never displayed and were eventually passed to Colonel Davidson of Cally House in 1933, where they stayed until 1998 when they were bequeathed to the then Historic Scotland and taken to Fort George near Inverness.
One of the guns is a 15cm model 1902 Howitzer weighing around 2035kg. It is largely intact and the only one in Britain.
The other gun is a 10cm fortress gun, model 1897, mounted on a land carriage and weighing about 3500kg.
This gun is believed to be unique with no other example existing anywhere in the world.
Experts from Historic Environment Scotland and the Royal Armouries also believe that while both guns were likely to have been in use during the First World War, the fortress gun may also have been deployed in the Boer War.
Brian Smith, a member of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, is keen to gauge public opinion on whether the guns should be restored and brought back to the town.
He told the Blairie: “I have spoken to Historic Environment Scotland and they have said they would be happy to give the guns to the town on a long-term loan.
“So we are looking for suggestions as to where they could go. Do we want to keep them together or split them between Blairgowrie and Rattray as they once were? How could we get them here and how could we get sponsorship for a suitable protective cover for them?”
If people are interested in returning the guns to Blairgowrie and Rattray, or would like further information on them, email Brian Smith on lutonwolf89@ btinternet.com