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Now published: The Fortification of the Firth of Forth

7th March 2019 | Categories: Publications

We are pleased to announce the publication of the Society’s latest book, The Fortification of the Firth of Forth: ‘The most powerful naval fortress in the British Empire’  by Gordon J Barclay and Ron Morris, available now from our online shop!

fofof-cover-finalThe Fortification of the Firth of Forth describes the story of the great Forth Fortress from 1880 to 1977, when the final traditional defensive capabilities were abandoned.

Meticulously researched, the authors combine archival sources with new fieldwork and oral histories to not only describe what was built, but when and why. They also show how the defences were expected to be used in rapidly changing strategic circumstances and in the face of increasingly sophisticated and powerful naval weapons. Today, many of the surviving features remain visible in and around the Firth of Forth.

This richly illustrated volume relates the defences in the Forth to the wider political and military context and also describes the human side of the defences: the men and women who manned the fortress. This is a fascinating resource for those interested in Scottish military and naval history, and conflict and battlefield archaeology.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland gratefully acknowledges funding towards the publication of this volume from Historic Environment Scotland, The Strathmartine Trust, Fortress Study Group and the City of Edinburgh Council.

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