RCAHMS Field Survey Digital Photography A steel and concrete built gun-emplacement guards the pier at St Kilda village (NF19NW 1). The gun and sunken magazine were completed during October 1918 after a bombardment by a U-boat the previous May. View f

Scotland’s role in WW1 was significant and, as we learn more about the conflict and the archaeological evidence though local and national projects and new information and resources, we hope this will help to keep the legacy alive and be a fitting commemoration for current and future generations to share. At first the War seemed like an escape route from financial pressures at home and there was an initial rush to enlist with the British Expeditionary Force. Closer to home, hundreds of sites and stuctures were built for the defence of Scotland and a list of these has been brought together in one place on the CANMORE website.

Scanned image of view W showing excavation works during construction for gun No.1 (9.2”) at the South Sutor, Cromarty. The brick foundations for the magazine area are visible. SC910816. Copyright RCHAMS: Crown Copyright
Scanned image of view W showing excavation works during construction for gun No.1 (9.2”) at the South Sutor, Cromarty. The brick foundations for the magazine area are visible. SC910816. Copyright RCHAMS: Crown Copyright

How can I get involved?

This list of physical remains in Scotland could be your starting point for getting involved in the Homefront Legacy project which is looking for volunteers to help survey, research and record buildings and sites that played a role before, during and after the conflict. Archaeology Scotland have helped run and co-ordinate Homefront Legacy Training events in Invergordon, Haddington and an upcoming event in Hawick. This project is being coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and you will need to register and log in to download the Online Recording Toolkit. You should talk to your local authority archaeologist about your ideas for recording as there may be help available or projects already started in your area.

Scanned image of photograph of Arrochar Royal Navy Torpedo Testing Station and Range showing pier head building including part of the pier and a small crane from NW. Titled ‘Jetty at Loch Long’. SC1064426 Copyright RCAHMS
Scanned image of photograph of Arrochar Royal Navy Torpedo Testing Station and Range showing pier head building including part of the pier and a small crane from NW. Titled ‘Jetty at Loch Long’. SC1064426 Copyright RCAHMS

What’s happening?

A wide range of organisations are involved in the commemoration. We are running sessions for schools at Stobs Military Camp as part of our Heritage Heroes project and there are resources for schools available from the new Historic Environment Scotland First World War website in the Learning section. Many more local project will be developed over the coming years and it’s worth keeping an eye on these websites for updates on what’s happening.

RCAHMS Field Survey Digital Photography View of blockhouse on Inchkeith from NW. DP0561888 Copyright RCAHMS
RCAHMS Field Survey Digital Photography View of blockhouse on Inchkeith from NW. DP0561888 Copyright RCAHMS
RCAHMS Field Survey Digital Photography View from NW (N end of the pier) on Inchmickery showing Battery Observation Posts and First World War buildings on W side of island. DP077126 Copyright RCAHMS
RCAHMS Field Survey Digital Photography View from NW (N end of the pier) on Inchmickery showing Battery Observation Posts and First World War buildings on W side of island. DP077126 Copyright RCAHMS