SecondWorldWar comes to life at Cultybraggan

ONCEHOMEtosomeofthemostnotorious criminals of the Second World War, a Perthshire camp will again play host to German prisoners.

At its peak, up to 40,000 Nazis were incarcerated at Cultybraggan, including the leader of the infamous Devizes break-out plot.

Hitler’s lieutenant Rudolf Hess was also rumoured to have spent time at the facility, near Comrie after he crash-landed in Scotland.

Thankfully, there is nothing sinister about the latest occupants, who will arrive on June 1.

Members of Kampfgruppe Schottland (KGS) re-enactment group have joined forces withComrieHeritageGrouptostagea dramatic recreation of the German prisoners of war arriving in the village.

Historywillbebroughttolifeasvolunteers don the traditional outfits worn to walk from Laggan Park, through Comrie to Cultybraggan.

Upon arrival, they will be billeted at Hut 41, which was utilised as a simple accommodation block from 1939.

Visitors can then take the opportunity to talk to the soldiers and find out more about the typical day of a PoW.

Andy Dowds, of KGS, said the group was “proud” to take part in the event for a second year. He added: “We feel that Cultybraggan offers so much to the community of Comrie and its fascinating history is one worth preserving for future generations.

“Bringing history to life in such a unique way ensures that we maintain a solid link to the past.”

The Scottish Military Vehicles Group will also add an authentic touch to the open day, alongside guided tours of the sprawling camp by volunteers.

Visitors will be treated to displays of vintage motorbikes, remote control tanks and short wartime propaganda films from Comrie Cinema Club.

Entry is free and a 1930s bus will provide a shuttle service from Laggan Park, close to the original site of the train station.

As well as commemorating the camp’s past, the event will also celebrate its future.

Comrie Heritage Group will showcase the work being done to turn Cultybraggan — one of the best preserved Second World War PoW camps in the UK — into a unique attraction, which is now managed by Comrie Development Trust.

Picture: Phil Hannah. ‘Prisoners’ march from Comrie to Cultybraggan to be processed into the camp at last year’s event.