ORKNEY’S DEFENCES, walk and talk, Sunday, 7 September and 7:30pm Tuesday, 9 September Orkney’s coastal defences played an important role in both world wars. Historian Geoffrey Stell will lead a walk to Brechan Battery, Holm (Sunday, meeting point to
be confirmed) and give an illustrated talk at the St Magnus Centre (Tuesday). For further details on both events contact the Orkney Rangers on 01856 841 732 or e-mail them at orkneyrangers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
ANTONINE WALL, west of Falkirk, Saturday, 20 September Now holding the proud status of a World Heritage Site, the wall once marked the northern limit of the Roman Empire. Archaeologist Adrian Cox will take you along it at Rough Castle to learn about life in the 2nd century AD. Call Historic Scotland on 0131 668 8858.
STRATHAVEN AIRFIELD, South Lanarkshire, 10:30am-4:30pm, Saturday, 13 September.
www.strathavenairfield.co.uk This was not a wartime airfield – it was founded in the early 1950s by the Scottish Flying Club. However, the club does have a noteworthy connection: its chairman, Group Captain George Pinkerton, was the pilot who shot down the first German aircraft over British soil in the Second World War. Come for tours of the hangar every half-hour from 10:30am onwards.
DEVIL’S PORRIDGE MUSEUM, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, 10am-4pm, Saturday, 27 September and noon-4pm, Sunday, 28 September. In 1915, Britain was losing the war through lack of ammunition… until 30,000 men and women came from all over the world to work in the greatest munitions factory on earth. The Devil’s Porridge was the explosive paste which workers fashioned into ammunition at HM Factory Gretna for the British troops. Pay a visit to the exhibition’s new premises and exciting new features, such as the trench display and Anderson shelter.
TRAPRAIN LAW, East Lothian, Sunday, 28 September.
www.nms.ac.uk Traprain Law is considered to be among the finest hill forts in Scotland. It has been the site of many exciting finds including the Traprain Treasure of Roman silver and some elaborate rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. The principal curator of Iron Age and Roman collections at the National Museum will lead a guided tour, followed by a chance to see some of the finds back at the museum. Places must be booked. Call Linda Drummond on 0131 247 4050.
The full article contains 409 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
