The second part of our Fortress Britain series takes us to the windswept beaches of northeast Scotland, where archeology meets military history.

Tony and Alessandro link up with Bruce Mann—a senior Historic Environment Officer and real-world battlefield archaeologist—to walk through pillboxes, anti-tank blocks, and the overlooked coastal defenses that still dot the landscape today. We talk about how terrain shaped defense planning, how local contractors helped construct pillboxes under pressure, and why Black Dog Beach isn’t just a poetic name.

We also explore how defensive structures were camouflaged, improvised, and in some cases, repurposed entirely—and how the layering of stop lines and river crossings built a real strategy behind the concrete. From hidden gun loops to pillboxes disguised as cottages, this is the physical side of Britain’s invasion defense as few have seen it.

Bruce’s contact

Historic Environment Team – archeology@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Books mentioned

Fortress Britain: 1940 by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/3Sd5iJ4

Britain’s Secret Defences by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/4jYuT4x

If Hitler Comes: Preparing for Invasion: Scotland 1940 by Gordon Barclay - https://amzn.to/4kvhT6B

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