20th Century Defensive Structures on Orkney and in North East England

Site updated 21 July 2010

During the day I’m fortunate enough to be out driving around the beautiful North East of England.

This is an area that was heavily fortified during W.W.II. Due to the remoteness and lack of redevelopment, much of this fortification survives, quite often in very good condition. As you’ll see from the pictures on the site the biggest enemy is the graffiti “artist”.

In coastal areas, the effects of coastal erosion and the weather are taking their toll. Some of the metal components of the gun batteries on Orkney are in a terrible state with RSJs that once were nearly an inch thick reduced to flaking rust and holes.

Orkney was heavily fortified because Scapa Flo was the home of the British fleet during the war - everywhere you go there are reminders of conflict from ancient times to the present day - but it’s the peace, quiet and outstanding natural beauty of the islands that make the old buildings so interesting and unique.

All the galleries should open in a new window as they’re hosted on a different server.

Please let me know if anything on here doesn’t work or if you have any new information.

The fabulous Black Building in Kirkwall has been demolished by the OIC - but it’s all right - they’ve laser scanned it first so you can still see what it used to look like in a computer - you can’t touch it and feel the atmosphere though - officially sanctioned vandalism!!

Orkney Section on Hoy Updated. Much more stuff on Orkney coming soon. Gun Batteries added

Major additions to Northumberland also coming soon. RAF Ouston Updated

Drone Hill Section updated with Wartime pics!!

All pictures copyright Colin Anderson except where otherwise stated.