Location:
Elliot, Arbroath
Dates:
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – tour times to be advised when booking.
The bunker structure is a relic of the Cold War when the volunteers of the former Royal Observer Corps trained to monitor instruments, transmit vital readings to their Headquarters and would alert the public of imminent explosion and approaching radioactive fallout, should a nuclear attack have taken place.
A guided tour will take you 15 feet down a vertical ladder to the underground Monitoring Room where a talk is given on the Operational Procedures at that time. Now that the Cold War Era is history, we can talk about the important role of the Royal Observer Corps and reveal the fully equipped underground bunker as it was.
Above ground an introductory talk will be given about the two important roles of the ROC during WW11 and The Cold War. Also above ground is an exhibition room housing a selection of memorabilia. The tour includes the Royal Observer Corp’s first role of identifying and reporting aircraft during WW11 with instruments of the day.
2026 marks the 75th Anniversary of King George V1 bestowing the Observer Corps with the Royal prefix, for their outstanding work saving many lives in the Battle of Britain the previous year. 1941 also saw women admitted to the Corps.
Booking is essential. Full address, directions and tour times will be given when booking.
For more information, or to book, contact Cheryl by email at cheryl.stewart@gmail.com or call 07791 395976. Cut-off date for booking is Sunday 6 September.
Children must be 10 years and over and accompanied by an adult.
A good level of health and fitness is required for those going underground to negotiate the 15 feet vertical ladder.
We also welcome those who wish to stay at ground level.
Doors Open Days is is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old, and is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust.
