Blast doors from secret bunker in East Kilbride go on display

Two steel blast doors from East Kilbride’s secret Cold War bunker will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

Article Source: National Museum of Scotland
Last Updated: 1 July 2024 13:04

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will explore Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War. Over 190 objects, many on display for the first time, will be brought together in Cold War Scotland (13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025) to tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Atomic power brought jobs and investment to some of the country’s most remote areas, but as global tensions mounted the threat of attack or nuclear disaster became part of everyday life. Opening on 13 July 2024, Cold War Scotland will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers, for example, within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will also draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Firsthand accounts include a young mother who decorated her daughter’s pram with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) badges. A rattle made from an old laundry detergent bottle emblazoned with the CND logo was given to her baby during the Peace Marches of the early 1980s and will go on display in the exhibition.

The exhibition will also reveal the physical remains of the Cold War; the ruined bases, forgotten bunkers and decommissioned nuclear power stations still evident across the Scottish landscape. This infrastructure became part of the fabric of local communities, none more so than the US-controlled radar base at Edzell in Angus, now commemorated with its own bespoke tartan.

Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology at National Museums Scotland, said:
“From nuclear submarines to lively peace protests and observation stations perpetually monitoring for devastating attack, the Cold War permeated every aspect of life in Scotland for decades. This conflict is so often remembered on a global scale, but this thought-provoking exhibition will offer a Scottish perspective of the period, allowing Scots from all walks of life to tell their remarkable stories for the first time.”

Further highlights of the exhibition include artwork from Glasgow’s 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power and a toy nuclear power station, operated by steam and hot to the touch when played with. Both these examples highlight the spirit of optimism, progress and modernity associated with atomic energy in postwar Britain. In contrast, a Geiger counter used by farmers in East Ayrshire to test for radiation in sheep following the Chernobyl Disaster illustrates the enduring but unseen impact of the Cold War on Scotland’s landscape.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Find out more: www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events/exhibitions/national-museum-of-scotland/cold-war-scotland/

Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9-25 August 2024.

Photo: Blast doors from an Anti-Aircraft Operations Room (AAOR) in East Kilbride.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!

Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!

Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow

After a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!

Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line

If you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!

Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November

Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.

Get ready for a great big Living History Week

Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!

SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award

Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK

People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.

Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism

Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.

Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest

Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.

Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas

Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.

SAY Award opens public vote

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.

Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind

For a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.

Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week

Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.

Stirling Science Festival is back and out of this world

Families can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime during the October week holiday – by making a trip from Stirling to the very edge of the Solar System.

Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.

Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience

Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.

Pioneering Scottish Filmmakers Coming Home for UK Premiere

The groundbreaking dance documentary Unbound will have its UK premiere at the Central Scotland Doc Fest this autumn at Macrobert Arts Centre.

Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns to The Barrowland Ballroom for 2024

With Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.

Starbucks set to open at Thistles Stirling

Starbucks arrives in Stirling just in time for Pumpkin Spiced Latte season and first coffees will be served from Saturday 28 September.

Frightful fun in store at Dobbies this Halloween

Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!

All go for World Gaelic Week 2025

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.

Approval for refurbishment for Forthside and Stirling Studios project

A significant milestone in the redevelopment of Forthside and the Stirling Studios project has been reached following the approval of a £6m procurement contract for building refurbishment.

Macrobert Arts Centre receives grant to increase venue accessibility

Macrobert Arts Centre is thrilled to announce the funding award from Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust.

The World Favourite Whisky Glass sponsors Scottish International Crime Writing Awards

Chris Brookmyre, the winner of this year’s McIlvanney Prize, was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy at this year’s Bloody Scotland Festival.

Garden Centre rolls out series of free events this October

Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.

Scottish groups receive funding from Asda Foundation to transform community spaces

Asda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.