The site consists of two distinct buildings: the RAF WWII Fighter Command Sector Operations Centre (which can be seen from the surface) and the RAF ROTOR R4 Sector Operations Centre Bunker (buried 30m under Corstophine Hill).
The 1400m2 SOC building was built by the Air Ministry before WWII and was used during the war as an active Fighter Command command centre and thereafter for storage and was fully maintained until 1987.
The bunker was originally built for the RAF and during the 1950s was the Sector Operations Centre for coordinating Fighter Command response to UK airspace intrusion by Russian long-range nuclear bombers. Around 1960, the bunker was re-fitted as a Regional Seat of Government with the ability to accommodate 400 staff in the aftermath of a nuclear attack. Ownership transferred to Edinburgh Council in the early 80s and was sold to a private developer in 1989 after which time it suffered from vandalism and theft.
Today, the Barnton Quarry complex is owned by a partnership of individuals who hope to restore the building as a museum and educational centre.
Clermiston Road, Edinburgh (NT203748)
contact@barntonquarry.org.uk
http://barntonquarry.org.uk
@BarntonQuarry
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