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Barnton Bunker in the news

Media Info

  • Barnton Bunker is part of The Barnton Bunker Preservation Society SCIO, a charitable organisation registered in Scotland, United Kingdom.

    SCIO - SC05235

    Address: Barnton Quarry R4 ROTOR Complex, 35 Clermiston Rd N, Edinburgh EH4 7BN.

    Website: www.barntonbunker.com

    Instagram: @barntonbunkeruk

    Facebook: @barntonbunkeruk

    Barnton Bunker is a historic WW2 and Cold War nuclear bunker located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It stands as a testament to the defensive operations that took place during these pivotal periods in history. Currently, Barnton Bunker is undergoing an extensive restoration process, made possible by the dedicated efforts of our passionate volunteers.

    As part of our fundraising initiative, we offer guided hard hat tours, granting visitors a unique opportunity to explore the bunker and contribute to its restoration. Our goal is to restore the bunker to its former glory and transform it into one of Edinburgh's most distinctive and engaging tourist attractions. Through this endeavour, we aim to share the fascinating history of this site with both tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

    Concealed amidst the northern section of Corstorphine Hill, approximately 4 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, Barnton Bunker is a hidden gem in a populated residential area. It was deliberately chosen for its strategic location, capable of withstanding a 3MT nuclear bomb without structural damage. Unfortunately, after falling into neglect, the bunker suffered damage from fires and became a site for illegal activities. However, a new owner acquired the bunker in 2011 and initiated a dedicated restoration program to revive its original 1950s ROTOR SOC layout, making it the only surviving example of its kind in Scotland.

    Located at Barnton Quarry R4 ROTOR Complex, 35 Clermiston Rd N, Edinburgh EH4 7BN, the bunker can be accessed via a small car park near the entrance on Clermiston Road. Visitors can also reach the site by local bus routes, with the number 21 bus stopping directly at the car park, although the terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

    To support the restoration efforts, we offer guided hard hat tours that can be booked through our website's booking page https://www.barntonbunker.com/book-your-tour. With a suggested donation of £25 per person, these tours provide an intimate and personalised experience for up to 30 participants. Every donation directly contributes to the restoration of Barnton Bunker.

    In addition to our restoration mission, the Barnton Bunker Preservation Society SCIO is committed to preserving the Barnton and Corstorphine Hill area through various conservation, tree planting, gardening, and educational activities. By working together, we strive to create a sustainable future for our community and the environment.

    Furthermore, Barnton Bunker offers its unique underground space as a venue for events. Nestled beneath the picturesque Corstorphine Hill, our stunning location provides an unforgettable setting for parties, filming, and Airsoft events.

    We welcome individuals who are interested in volunteering for the bunker's restoration. Volunteering at Barnton Bunker is an exceptional opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Our volunteers learn practical skills such as plastering, joinery, and electrical work while also fostering teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Accommodation is available on-site for volunteers.

    Join us in our mission to preserve the historical significance of Barnton Bunker and create an enduring legacy that educates, inspires, and captivates visitors from around the world.

  • For all media & press opportunities please email info@barntonbunker.com

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Barnton Bunker News features & articles.

Hidden history of Scotland's biggest nuclear bunker

  • By Angie Brown

    BBC Scotland, Edinburgh and East reporter

  • BBC Scotland

  • 23 March 2023

  • https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-64944182

Inside Edinburgh's secret nuclear bunker you've probably walked past without realising

  • By Jacob Farr Reporter

  • Edinburgh Live

  • 06:00, 6 AUG 2023

  • https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/history/gallery/inside-edinburghs-secret-nuclear-bunker-27458288

Edinburgh's jaw-dropping nuclear bunker built for a Russian attack that never happened.

  • By Kris Gourlay, Reporter

  • Edinburgh Live

  • 08:29, 6 MAR 2022

  • https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburghs-jaw-dropping-nuclear-bunker-23274181

Edinburgh nuclear bunker to become museum as plans approved by council

  • By Jenness Mitchell

  • STV News

  • 17th Feb 2022

  • https://news.stv.tv/east-central/barnton-quarry-nuclear-bunker-to-become-museum-as-plans-approved-by-city-of-edinburgh-council

Edinburgh's abandoned military bunker hidden beneath Corstorphine Hill

  • By Kaite Welsh

  • Edinburgh Live

  • 17:35, 2 JUL 2021

  • https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburghs-abandoned-military-bunker-hidden-20959701

Long abandoned underground complex to keep royals safe from a nuclear war that never came.

  • By ALLISON C. MEIER

  • Atlas Obscura

  • February 27, 2013

  • https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/barnton-quarry-nuclear-bunker

Did you know there is an underground Nuclear bunker in Edinburgh?

  • by Elisabeth Kelly

  • Airhouses

  • Tuesday, 5th December 2023, 11:38am

  • https://airhouses.com/news/barnton-bunker-scotlands-forgotten-bunker--09-11-2023

Barnton Quarry: Planning permission sought to turn nuclear bunker into visitor attraction centre

  • By Anna Bryan

  • Edinburgh News

  • Published 13th Oct 2021, 12:58 GMT

  • https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/planning-permission-sought-to-turn-nuclear-bunker-into-visitor-attraction-centre-3417552

It's not what you expect to find in Scotland's capital city, right next to the zoo

  • By Ben Cooper

  • 28 days later

  • Apr 8, 2009

  • https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threads/barnton-quarry-bunker-edinburgh-apr-2009.38997/

Fringe group takes the nuclear option over Edinburgh's Airbnbs

  • By Constance Kampfner

  • The Times

  • Wednesday August 09 2023, 12.01am

  • https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fringe-group-takes-the-nuclear-option-over-edinburgh-s-airbnbs-xnq6qc9fq

Day 2 of the Edinburgh Fringe with HiFi PiG’s intrepid John Scott.

  • By John Scott

  • Hifi Pig Magazine

  • Published 13th Oct 2021, 12:58 GMT

  • https://www.hifipig.com/the-edinburgh-fringe-2023-day-2/

'SUPER SPOOKY' Accommodation in Edinburgh is so expensive we’ve been forced to sleep in nuclear bunker

  • By Paige Beresford

  • The Scottish Sun

  • Apr 8, 2009

  • https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/money/11066682/accommodation-edinburgh-expensive-forced-sleep-nuclear-bunker/

Former Cold War Nuclear Bunker Gets A listed in Edinburgh

  • By N/A

  • Historic Environment Scotland

  • 9 June 2021

  • https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/former-cold-war-bunker-in-edinburgh-gets-a-listed/

Barnton Quarry Bunker, Edinburgh - Nov. 2011 - Derelict Places

  • By Ben Cooper

  • Derelict Places

  • Nov 27, 2011

  • https://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/threads/barnton-quarry-bunker-edinburgh-nov-2011.20695/

Wikipedia - Barnton Quarry - Cold War Bunker in Edinburgh

  • By Paige Beresford

  • The Scottish Sun

  • Apr 8, 2009

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnton_Quarry

Inside gigantic abandoned military bunker made to house Queen in a nuclear holocaust

  • By John Bett

  • Historic Environment Scotland

  • 17:28, 4 Jul 2021

  • https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-gigantic-abandoned-military-bunker-24457528

Former nuclear bunker prepares to welcome virtual visitors after fibre hook-up 

  • By n/a

  • Future Scot

  • SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

  • https://futurescot.com/former-nuclear-bunker-prepares-to-welcome-virtual-visitors-after-fibre-hook-up/

Visitor attraction approved at Barnton Quarry Nuclear Bunker

  • By n/a

  • Scottish Construction Now

  • 2 MAR 2022

  • https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/visitor-attraction-approved-at-barnton-quarry-nuclear-bunker

Barnton Quarry: Tunnel Vision - Current geopolitical ruptures inspired Urban Realm to indulge in a spot of military archaeology

  • By N/A

  • Urban Realm

  • 10 Jul 2017

  • https://www.urbanrealm.com/features/580/Barnton_Quarry%3A_Tunnel_Vision.html

Barnton Quarry Rotor SOC and Regional Seat of Government

  • By Ian Brown

  • Subterranea Britannica

  • 10 October 2001

  • https://www.subbrit.org.uk/sites/barnton-quarryrotor-soc-and-regional-seat-of-government/

BARNTON QUARRY RESTORATION PROJECT VOUNTEER TEAM ARCHIVE 2011-2021

  • By n/a

  • Hey Museums

  • Apr 8, 2009

  • https://heymuseums.co.uk/0468759/Barnton_Quarry_Restoration_Project