Bowling, Mine Watchers Post

A mine watchers post overlooking the Clyde is located between the riverbank and the disused railway line. It was origiinally reported on the Secret Scotland website

http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index

php/Secrets/ClydeMinewatchersPosts

Information from the UK Pillbox Study Group, June 2012

This observation post is situated in wooded ground immediately above the shingle on the N bank of the River Clyde. Rectangular on plan, it measures 1.6m from NW to SE by 1.3m transversely within brick walls 0.35m thick and 1.9m high. A brick baffle protects the central entrance on the NW, the whole being covered by an extension of the flat concrete roof. The observation window with its chamfered, cement washed sill is positioned immediately below the roof on the SW and measures 2.3m long and 0.4m high. Alterations to the original build include the blocking of access from the SE and the removal of the original wall forming the SE side of the central doorway. At the same time, a stove may have been installed, facilitated by the punching through of a hole in the brickwork immediately below the roof and close to the rear edge of the window on the NW side. The post remains in relatively good condition though the concrete foundations are exposed at the edge of the beach. Some indistinct graffiti is visible on the external face of the NW wall.

Visited by HES, Survey and Recording (ATW, AKK) 24 August 2017.

NS 45218 73374 – Observation Post (Canmore ID: 320143) As part of Scottish Waterways Trust Canal College 2 training initiative two days of building recording were carried out, 18 May and 14 September 2017, at the Bowling Mine Watcher’s Post. This work provided a training opportunity and allowed the creation of an accurate record of the structural remains. An assessment and photographic record of the building were completed, alongside a plane table survey of its location. Vegetation was removed from around the structure and the associated access path. The interior of the building was cleared, with debris and rubbish removed.

Archive and report: NRHE (intended)

Funder: HLF and Scottish Canals

Ian Hill, Cara Jones and Rebecca Barclay – Heritage and Archaeological Research Practice Ltd (HARP) and Archaeology Scotland

(Source: DES, Volume 18)

HES surveyed the mine watchers post at Bowling on 12 October 2017 at a scale of 1:50. The resultant plan, section and elevation were redrawn in vector graphics software at a scale of 1:100.

NS 45218 73375 As part of Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Canal’s Canal College employability scheme, Archaeology Scotland undertook a programme of vegetation clearance and recording at the WWII pillbox at Bowling Basin. Field work was completed over four days in October of 2019. The work comprised the removal of nettles, bracken and other shrubbery from the site, followed by historic building recording (photographic survey and written description) of the pillbox. A plane table survey of the structure was also completed. As a result, an up to date condition record and photographic record on the pillbox was finished at the site.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Keep Scotland Beautiful, Scottish Canals

Rebecca Barclay and Kieran Manchip – Archaeology Scotland

(Source: DES, Volume 20)