Why Our Local MSP Visited Scotland’s Biggest Nuclear Bunker
Last week was a significant one for the Barnton R4 Nuclear Bunker as we had the pleasure of hosting our local MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton, for a comprehensive tour of the site. As an ongoing community project dedicated to preserving this unique piece of Cold War history, our goal is to engage not just with local residents, but also with those who represent us. Alex’s visit was the perfect opportunity to do just that—to share our journey and the incredible progress of our restoration efforts.
From the moment he arrived, Alex showed a genuine and enthusiastic interest in the project. He spent the afternoon speaking directly with our dedicated volunteers, who shared their personal stories and explained the painstaking work involved in restoring the bunker. The conversation was vibrant and passionate, and it was clear to everyone that Alex was captivated by the scale and significance of our mission.
"Absolutely amazing visit to Barnton R4 Nuclear Bunker today. The biggest in Scotland being lovingly restored by a community of volunteers, several of whom live on site."
The feeling was mutual. As Rob, one of our key team members, expressed, “The opportunity to share details of our vibrant community and development - with someone holding such a specific and enthusiastic interest in our work - was very fulfilling.” It’s incredibly rewarding for our team to see their hard work resonate with others, especially a local representative who can help amplify our message.
After touring the labyrinthine corridors and seeing the period-specific restoration up close, Alex shared his thoughts, and his words truly captured the essence of what we're all about:
"Absolutely amazing visit to Barnton R4 Nuclear Bunker today. The biggest in Scotland being lovingly restored by a community of volunteers, several of whom live on site."
This restoration is truly a labour of love. Our mission is to authentically reinstate the bunker to its original 1952 configuration. Every day, our team is working to bring this fascinating, and often-overlooked, piece of history back to life. It’s more than just a restoration; it's an educational project that will preserve the legacy of the Cold War and the significant role this site played as Scotland's Regional Seat of Government
We are so thankful to Alex for his time and his enthusiastic support. His visit is a powerful testament to the importance of community projects like ours, and his recognition of our volunteers' dedication is a huge source of inspiration. We believe that by working together, we can ensure the Barnton Bunker stands as a reminder of our past for generations to come.
If you would like to learn more about our project, volunteering opportunities, or how to support our work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@barntonbunker.com.
