Unexploded mortar bomb found in remote area of Scotland

A recent discovery in rural Scotland highlights the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO). A forestry team unearthed a mortar bomb near Blairgowrie, in Perth and Kinross – a region with a rich military history and vast, sparsely populated lands. The area was once used as an artillery firing range, contributing to its UXO contamination.

When the device was discovered, Faslane Royal Navy base immediately dispatched an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to the site. Due to the remote location – requiring a challenging one-hour walk from the nearest road – the decision was made to blow up the device in situ rather than attempt to remove it.

The EOD team used a small explosive charge to safely detonate the mortar bomb, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area while removing the threat of explosion.

The ongoing threat of UXO in rural Scotland

Scotland is home to vast areas of untouched land, much of which has been used for military training and operations over the decades. The country’s rugged terrain and remote locations make it an ideal site for military exercises, but these same factors also increase the likelihood of UXO discoveries.

With the growing demand for onshore wind energy and construction projects in rural areas, UXO finds have become more frequent in places that have remained relatively undisturbed since World War II. The shift in land use is bringing these historic hazards to light, posing significant risks to those working in or near these areas.

The history of UXO in Scotland: military activity and land requisition

The roots of UXO contamination in rural Scotland date back to the early 1940s, during World War II, when the War Office requisitioned large tracts of private land in response to the threat of a German invasion of the UK. These areas were used for various military training purposes, including artillery fire, bombing runs, and weapon testing. In total, thousands of acres were transformed into training grounds, resulting in widespread contamination from unexploded munitions, including mortar bombs, shells, and other military ordnance.

Following the end of the war, much of this land was returned to civilian use. However, the danger of UXO remains, especially in areas with little prior development or activity. The discovery of a mortar bomb near Blairgowrie is a reminder that these historical sites continue to pose significant risks decades later.

What is a Mortar bomb?

The UXO found near Blairgowrie is highly likely to have been a British World War II-era mortar bomb. There were several mortar calibres used during the war, including the 29mm, 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4.2-inch models. The 2-inch mortar was mainly used by the Home Guard, while the 3-inch and 4.2-inch mortars were employed by the British Army in frontline operations.

A mortar is a relatively simple but highly effective infantry weapon. It fires projectiles at a high arcing trajectory and low velocity, making it ideal for hitting targets behind cover or at a distance. Mortar shells come in various types, such as high-explosive, smoke, illumination, or chemical shells, each designed for different tactical effects.

Mortar bombs are typically cylindrical or teardrop-shaped, with a striker mechanism that activates the explosive charge when it strikes a detonator. In some cases, a malfunction in the striker can leave the bomb in a fragile and unstable condition, making these devices extremely dangerous long after they have been fired.

UXO risks in construction and wind energy projects

As construction activity increases in rural Scotland – especially in areas near former military training grounds – the risk of encountering UXO has also risen. In particular, the construction of onshore wind farms, which often occur in remote, sparsely populated areas, has led to more frequent UXO finds.

Many of these construction sites are located in regions that were used for military training during the 1940s and 1950s, meaning the likelihood of finding leftover munitions is significant. Proper UXO risk assessments and explosive ordnance disposal services are essential to ensure that these projects proceed safely.

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in providing comprehensive UXO risk management services. Whether your project is large or small, our team offers expert advice, site surveys, and UXO clearance services to mitigate any potential hazards.

Why UXO risk management is essential

Managing the risk of UXO is critical for any project that takes place on land with a known history of military use. Our services help prevent accidents and delays by identifying and safely disposing of any explosive devices before work begins. As UXO specialists, we use a range of cutting-edge technologies to locate, assess, and safely dispose of hazardous ordnance.

If you are involved in a construction project, site development, or any other type of work on land that may have been previously used for military purposes, it is crucial to partner with a trusted UXO risk management company. This ensures the safety of workers, the public, and the environment.

Brimstone UXO: your trusted partner in UXO risk management

At Brimstone, we are one of the UK’s fastest-growing UXO risk management companies, offering a full suite of services to manage the risks associated with unexploded ordnance. We provide site surveys, UXO assessments, clearance operations, and emergency EOD services, all delivered by experienced and fully accredited professionals.

As one of the few licensed UXO contractors in the UK with a police-acquire and keep license, we can conduct high-risk demolitions and rapid-response operations across the country.

To stay informed about the latest UXO news and updates, and to learn more about our services, follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The discovery of a mortar bomb near Blairgowrie is another stark reminder of the long-lasting dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in rural Scotland. These remnants of wartime activity continue to present risks to the public, particularly in areas where construction or development is taking place. Through careful risk management and expert UXO services, we can help reduce these risks and ensure the safety of your project.