Children played with unexploded bomb at Rosemarkie

A shocking discovery at Rosemarkie Beach in the Highlands has highlighted the ever-present danger of unexploded ordnance (UXO). According to a BBC report, children unknowingly played with an unexploded mortar bomb before being alerted to the risk it posed.

The beach was immediately closed to the public on Tuesday following the discovery, with emergency services responding swiftly. A Royal Navy bomb disposal team from HM Clyde at Faslane was deployed to assess and safely dispose of the device, which is believed to date back to World War Two.

A Dangerous Find in Rosemarkie

Lt Cmdr Tony Hampshire of the Royal Navy confirmed that the coastguard had reported children handling the device before realising its potential danger. He stated:

“Despite its era, the explosive was probably intact and still dangerous. These devices should be treated with respect. The family who realised the danger did absolutely the right thing.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency also issued a statement, reinforcing the importance of public awareness and safety:

“Thankfully, the children who were reported playing with this live mortar were unharmed. Thanks to Inverness Coastguard and Nairn Coastguard for making Rosemarkie Beach safe for the public until the Royal Navy’s EOD team arrived to safely dispose of this device.”

The Ongoing UXO Risk

The discovery at Rosemarkie serves as a stark reminder that unexploded ordnance remains a hidden hazard across the UK, particularly in areas with wartime history. Beaches, fields, and construction sites are all susceptible to UXO findings, requiring vigilance from the public and professionals alike.

At Brimstone, we have an excellent track record in UXO risk mitigation, covering everything from large-scale projects to individual UXO assessments and demolitions. Our services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Evaluating the potential presence of UXO on land and in marine environments.
• On-Site UXO Surveys – Using advanced detection technologies to locate buried ordnance.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) – Safe removal and disposal of identified UXO.
• Emergency Response Services – Rapid support in cases of UXO discoveries to ensure public and site safety.

If you encounter a suspicious object or require expert advice on UXO safety, don’t hesitate to contact our team for an informal discussion.

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