Loch Long is a sea loch, which joins the Clyde estuary near Helensburgh. In 1908, construction was started of a torpedo testing range at the head of the loch, near the village of Arrochar. Handed over to the Navy in 1912, the purpose was to ensure that torpedoes ran true courses by firing them from a variety of devices, recovering them when they had run out of power. Needless to say, this was without the explosive warheads!
The busiest time was during the Second World War, but the base survived until December 1986. Providing employment in this remote area, it was regarded as the locals 'breadbasket', the only other employer of note being the submarine base at Faslane.
Left to the mercy of pikeys and wild campers, clumsy demolition commenced in 2007 after several fires, but then stopped. Locals say that the site was proposed for a marina, but to date nothing has happened.
Overview of the site as built
Torpedo testing area, built out over the loch
Torpedoes were moved about on narrow gauge railway trucks, with complicated track layouts
Torpedo launching area
Nice view!
Turntable for changing tracks
Line to the jetty and remains of torpedo storage shed
A shame to see a group of houses modernised, then just left!
Guardhouse
The middle group of buildings had been reduced to rubble but the large huts at the end appeared to be used to store stuff, with fresh padlocks.
The busiest time was during the Second World War, but the base survived until December 1986. Providing employment in this remote area, it was regarded as the locals 'breadbasket', the only other employer of note being the submarine base at Faslane.
Left to the mercy of pikeys and wild campers, clumsy demolition commenced in 2007 after several fires, but then stopped. Locals say that the site was proposed for a marina, but to date nothing has happened.
Overview of the site as built
Torpedo testing area, built out over the loch
Torpedoes were moved about on narrow gauge railway trucks, with complicated track layouts
Torpedo launching area
Nice view!
Turntable for changing tracks
Line to the jetty and remains of torpedo storage shed
A shame to see a group of houses modernised, then just left!
Guardhouse
The middle group of buildings had been reduced to rubble but the large huts at the end appeared to be used to store stuff, with fresh padlocks.
