Audit of Scotland's World War One assets reveals hundreds of historic sites

An audit of Scotland's World War One 'assets' has revealed more than 900 buildings connected to the war, including top secret anti-invasion defences. The audit, which was commissioned by Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, highlighted three times as many assets than expected.

The sites highlighted include air stations, drill halls (Paisley Drill Hall is pictured here), hospitals, prisoner of war camps and anti-invasion defences around Edinburgh and the Lothians.

In a report on Historic Scotland's website, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: 'Our World War 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.'

For full details of the findings, visit the Historic Scotland website.

(Image copyright Thomas Nugent, Geograph Project)

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