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 Edinburgh News

Vote Peppa Campaign Spotted Around Scotland Ahead of Shows at Edinburgh Playhouse

Peppa Pig says It’s time for change! Make sure you join the party everypne is talking about in Edinburgh this July!

Royal Marines Band Scotland put final preparations in place for performance at The Tattoo

His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Scotland are putting the final touches together for their performance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – onboard the mighty HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Universal credit discount for visitors to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park

More people than ever will be able to experience the wonders of nature, thanks to the introduction of reduced-price tickets to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

Vue to celebrate Scottish school summer holidays with fantastic family favourites

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays at Vue venues in Scotland.

St James Quarter Sessions is back and bigger for 2024

St James Quarter Sessions, Edinburgh city centre’s much talked about free music festival, will be back for a second year and promises to be bigger with the addition of new venues and stages.

Iconic menu returns as Six by Nico opens second Edinburgh venue

Innovative restaurant group has launched a second Edinburgh restaurant with much-loved The Chippie menu returning.

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.

Scottish artist Bruce McLean gets a crowning display for his 80th birthday at Modern One in Edinburgh

A celebratory display to mark Bruce McLean’s 80th birthday opens on Saturday 29th June at Modern One in Edinburgh.

The 2024 Edinburgh Canal Festival was an uplifting celebration of Union Canal and Canalside Community

Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust organised The Edinburgh Canal Festival, a free community celebration event, on Sat 15th June for the third year running.

Summer Savings at Brewhemia

Summer is here and so are the savings at Brewhemia! We’re excited to bring you the hottest deals of the season!

TV star Rylan Clark to headline Ladies Day

TV AND RADIO personality Rylan Clark has been announced as the star entertainment for the crowds at one of Scotland’s most glamourous summer events, Musselburgh Racecourse’s Ladies Day!

Much anticipated Roxburghe Rocks music festival returns to Floors Castle

Borders' jewel announces sensational line-up of world-class bands for summer music spectacular.

Novel set in eighteenth century Edinburgh launches this week

A Novel set in eighteenth-century Edinburgh launches this week at St Cecilia’s Hall, with music by previously unknown female composers performed for the first time.

Nordic Music Days to take over Glasgow this autumn

One of the world's oldest celebrations of contemporary classical music and sound, Nordic Music Days takes place in Scotland for the first time in its 136-year history!

Grandparents Eat Free at Morningside restaurant

One of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhood restaurants has launched a new ‘Grandparents Eat Free’ initiative to help kick-start the school holidays.

Famous bakery returns to Bonnie & Wild Food Hall

Insta-famous bakery Chulo’s returns to Bonnie & Wild as Edinburgh Food Hall champions Scotland’s food and drink producer.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh names new Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has named local creative, Wendy Helliwell, as its new Artist in Residence, taking up the position from August until October.

Soak up the summer at Duck & Waffle Minuty Terrace

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh welcomes summer with a Minuty terrace partnership, bringing the spirit of Saint Tropez to the Scottish capital.

FoxFest returns this Summer at Conifox Adventure Park

Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of its hotly-anticipated annual summer festival, FoxFest, for 2024.

Bat Out Of Hell

Award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, will return to tour the UK in 2025, with performances beginning at Edinburgh Playhouse!

Wellerman singer reveals pinch me moment as song is included in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scottish musician Nathan Evans has revealed his pride after discovering his hit ‘Wellerman’ will be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns in July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 6th and 7th of July with lots of things to see and do!

The sky is the limit with the latest rooftop cocktail bar in Edinburgh

Following on from the success of their pop-up bar two years’ ago, Skyline Sips is returning to level 5, St James Quarter, Edinburgh on Tuesday 25th June 2024.

Legendary NFL franchise the Chicago Bears returned to Edinburgh

Chicago Bears have returned to Edinburgh as part of the NFL team’s 2024 Mini Monsters UK tour brought to you by Nike.

Vue to put family fun in focus this summer with new big screen child friendly content offerings

Vue has announced the latest set of family-friendly blockbusters arriving this summer, as well as a number of new ways for families and kids of all ages to enjoy time together at the big screen!

Take care of your summer garden with Dobbies

Garden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops across its stores.

Miller Homes launches new development in Edinburgh this Saturday

Miller Homes is launching a brand-new development in Edinburgh this Saturday (22 June), bringing 152 homes, including 39 affordable, to a popular residential area just south of the capital.

Asda Scotland relaunches Happy to Chat initiative

Asda Scotland delivery drivers wear ‘Happy to Chat about the game’ badges to help tackle loneliness during summer of sport

Garden Centre invites families to enjoy a Teddy Bears Picnic

Dobbies is inviting families to roll out the picnic blanket and gather around this summer as it unveils its brand-new event, Teddy Bears' Picnic.

First Look: Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh opens in Edinburgh

Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh, a new cocktail bar concept, has opened in Edinburgh's West End.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings