There are a number of features around the Gowan Hills and in the Haining which we hope might be explained by members who have memories or knowledge of activities that may have created them during World War II or earlier.
In the Haining, adjacent to the King’s Knot, are the visible foundations for at least five army Nissen huts. I have heard that some Polish soldiers were billeted there during WWII. Does anyone know if this is true or have any information on the military camp here?
In 1995 the Archaeological Society cleared three strips of gorse on the Gowan Hills on the main ridge facing Mote Hill. At the time we were examining the hill for linear earthworks which we thought might be of great age. In doing so we discovered two pits and it was suggested that these could be WWII machine gun nests. If this is correct they were positioned to fire on the bridges or down Union Street in the event the invading Germans came that way. A metal detectorist found a pocket watch at one of the pits we uncovered which is in chime with an early 20th century date. Were these dug by the Home Guard?
Also an RAF photograph from 1946 shows a large open trench on the top of the Gowan Hill. Who dug this and for what purpose?
Does any member have any knowledge of military activities around the Gowan Hills or of the Home Guard in Stirling during the War? Would someone be interested in researching this subject? Any information would be a great contribution to our Stirling Castle Historic Environs Project.