Bombers, Bunkers and Badges: Cold War Scotland through Museum Objects

Harper, Sarah

Bombers, Bunkers and Badges: Cold War Scotland through Museum Objects

Resource type

Lecture

Creator (person)

Harper, Sarah

ORCID

Abstract

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union. Scots played an active role in this global conflict, both mobilising and connecting with people around the world. The remains of military and nuclear installations, such as radar stations, bunkers, submarine depots and nuclear power stations, are physical reminders of how the Cold War shaped Scotland. National Museum Scotland's Assistant Curator - Technology, Sarah Harper will examine Scottish experiences of the Cold War through the lens of objects preserved by NMS and share some reflections on their recent Cold War Scotland exhibition.