Gretna, Hm Factory, Eastriggs Explosives Factory, Narrow Gauge Railway
Railway (20th Century)
Site Name Gretna, Hm Factory, Eastriggs Explosives Factory, Narrow Gauge Railway
Classification Railway (20th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Hm Factory Gretna Site 3
Canmore ID 375146
Site Number NY26NW 46.28
NGR NY 25450 64693
NGR Description NY 25450 64693 centred
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/375146
- Council Dumfries And Galloway
- Parish Dornock
- Former Region Dumfries And Galloway
- Former District Annandale And Eskdale
- Former County Dumfries-shire
Field Visit (7 September 2022)
Canmore ID: 375146
NY26NW 46.28
NY 25450 64693 centred
After the Second World War modifications were made to the narrow-gauge railway network (NY26NW 46.27). These seem to have been introduced when a new Transit Area (NY26NW 46.21) was constructed within the Depot where the munitions would now arrive (Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25000 map, 2015, sheet 314). They were then transferred to a narrow-gauge line within the large building (Y17) on the ESE of the Transit Area before being distributed throughout the Depot. The whole network was taken up in 2016, but fragments survive where the lines cross the standard gauge railway lines (e.g. NY 25321 64736, NY 25332 64737, NY 24963 65049). In addition, a new siding was constructed ESE of the large transit building (NY26NW 46.21, Y17).
An aerial photograph (ASS/625/88 0111) flown on 13 June 1988 shows that these modifications had already been made. However, the Fire Station (NY26NW 46.29) which is noted on a plan dating to 1956 (Dumfries: Eastriggs Sub Depot. Site Plan of Depot 26.06.1956, 4283) held at the Devil’s Porridge Museum, Eastriggs, was converted into an engine shed at a later date. This building was demolished after June 2018.
Visited by HES Heritage Recording (MMD and ATW), 7 September 2022.
