Field Visit
Date 13 December 2016
Event ID 1018795
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1018795
In the run-up to the First World War searchlight batteries (Nos. 1 and 2) were installed at Fort Matilda (NS27NE 97) on the south side of the Clyde estuary and at Portkil (No. 3 and 4) on the north side to illuminate the river between those places. Whilst a total of three searchlights were eventually installed at Portkil (The National Archives: WO78/5189, dated 3 May 1909), only two were active at any one time. No. 4 searchlight was converted to a shelter sometime before May 1909 and a new emplacement constructed to the west (see NS28SE 39.04).
Searchlights No.3 and No.4 stood about 28m apart just above the foreshore at Portkil and they were linked by a trench (NS28SE 39.25). The eastern searchlight (No.4) now forms part of an occupied store and No.3 lies within a private garden. Neither could be accessed on the date of visit. However, No.3 appears to be in good condition although erosion of the adjacent beach has exposed a low concrete wall about 4m in front. This may have marked the front edge of an earth glacis that once provided protection to the two searchlights and the passageway that originally linked them. The only part of the emplacement that was not embanked was the shore side of No.4 searchlight and the retaining walls that extended out from its SSW and ENE sides are still standing. The north wall of the linking passageway has been entirely removed. The south wall has been retained but it has been reduced in height along part of its length and at least one gap created, probably to allow access to the foreshore.
Visited by HES Survey and Recording (AKK) 13 December 2016.
