Scotland’s secret trenches and bunkers unearthed

TOP SECRET anti-invasion defence trenches from the First World War have been discovered in Scotland, along with previously unknown details on hundreds of other wartime sites and structures across the country, it was revealed yesterday.

An audit looking into Scotland’s wartime heritage has unearthed the records of 900 Scottish buildings and places being created or updated in case of enemy attack.

Among the files that have been added to or improved as a result of the audit by Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), are 239 hospitals, ranging from village halls to vast facilities still in use now, 64 air stations and 39 prisoner of war camps, Scotland’s main site being at Stobs near Hawick.

From tourist attraction Edinburgh Castle to more modest miners’cottages on Raasay, buildings and landscapes across Scotland were modified to protect our shores.

Dr Gordon Barclay, author of the audit, said: “The audit has more than tripled the number of places known to be associated with Scotland’s contribution to the First World War, both military and civilian, and has revealed an extraordinary variety of structures, reflecting Scotland’s importance to the war effort.

“The audit is only the first step, and other places no doubt remain to be identified, and the wartime role of many other places will certainly come to light during the centenary of the war.”

Allan Kilpatrick of RCAHMS added: “Scotland was on the frontline duringWWI. St Kilda was bombarded by a German U-boat and Edinburgh was bombed by a Zeppelin. The naval bases on the Forth, Cromarty and Scapa Flow were essential to protect Britain’s navy and her shipping.

“Having these records online and in one place, provides a perfect starting point for further study.”

Scotland’s Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said yesterday: “OurWorldWar One built heritage is a vital part of our historic environment and is key to educating us about Scotland’s role in the conflict.

“This audit will prove invaluable to our understanding of how every community played its part during the First World War.

“As we prepare to commemorate 100 years since the start of the war, I hope people will use this research to learn more about this important period and contribute any information they have so we continue to piece together a fuller picture of Scotland’s role.

“I also welcome the fact that Historic Scotland will recognise the significance of some of these assets through designation, helping to ensure they are safeguarded for future generations.”

Pictures: Central Scotland News Agency. Inchmickery island in the Forth is known for its war-time buildings but the extent of others such as Stobs Camp, left, are now coming to light.