Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM10755_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013775)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a World War II land-based fixed torpedo tube platform. It is situated on the E side of The Knab facing the island of Bressay, with commanding views over the southern approaches to Lerwick Harbour.

The torpedo tube platform was established as an integral part of the Lerwick Harbour defences. The three torpedo tubes were fixed to provide a lateral spread of fire across Bressay Sound, in order to be effective against fast-moving targets such as E-boats.

The remains consist of a large concrete base built on to the rocks, with a raised wall section to the front where the torpedo tubes were mounted, as evidenced by three sets of bolts together with a corresponding depression in front of (SE of) the tube positions. On the NE side of the platform is an enclosed structure which probably served as the command post. Associated with the platform are four concrete pillars, probably supports for a re-supply pier, and a step and path access route to the landward side.

The area to be scheduled includes the concrete platform, the concrete pillars and the associated access route, and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. The area to be scheduled has maximum dimensions of 58m NNE-SSE and 48m E-W, as indicated in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is an extremely rare and well-preserved example of an unusual coastal defence system from World War II. It is the only example of its type in Scotland. The torpedo platform was an integral part of the defences of Bressay Sound, an extremely important anchorage during World War II, and bolstered the existing defences of two 4.7-inch guns on The Knab.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.