The Excavation of a World War II Army Camp at Mortonhall, Edinburgh

• DOI: 10.1179/1574077313z.00000000021
• Publication Date: 2013-08-28T04:25:24Z
• Authors: Magnus Kirby; Alasdair Ross; Sue Anderson
• Keywords: Infantry

Archive material relating to Mortonhall, Edinburgh, indicates that there was a World War I army camp within the grounds of estate, which occupied by Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. However, excavations carried out CFA Archaeology Ltd during Scottish Water’s Edinburgh Drinking Water Project revealed physical remains relate later II camp. This appears have been initially 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry in 1940, who were billeted tents, with permanent being constructed private contractors from 1942. suggests largely consisted Nissen huts. evidence is supported limited archaeological uncovered number concrete hut bases size pertaining standard dimensions also different architectural styles buildings having brick asbestos. Reports Mortonhall POW probably unfounded, but it seems functioned as for displaced Eastern Europeans. The exact date closure unknown, clearly scaled down 1950s.