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Barnton Quarries Cold War Nuclear Bunker

Every so often, a project comes along that feels truly unique – and our recent work at the Barnton Quarries Cold War Nuclear Bunker was exactly that.

 

The client asked us to provide a quote for a series of scenic elements designed to bring the bunker to life. The goal was clear: improve the quality of the visitor experience and, in turn, bolster tours to help raise awareness and funds for the ongoing restoration of this historic site. Once vandalised in the 1990s, the bunker is now on a journey back to its former glory. Using AI-generated visuals and site dimensions, JJ quickly set to work.

Building the Elements

 

  • Display Frames: JJ sourced chunky newel posts from St Andrews Timber, transforming them into heavy-duty display frames. These were distressed with an angle grinder and carefully painted to look in keeping with the bunker’s weathered environment.
  • Feature Mural: The centrepiece of the project was a 12m wide x 3m high mural featuring the iconic Cold War slogan “Protect and Survive”. The letters were CNC-cut, sprayed white, and installed to striking effect.

On Site

 

Installation, along with a few additional site jobs, took just one day. But in that short time, JJ was immersed in one of the most intriguing environments he has ever worked in. As a massive Fallout fan, he spent the day imagining what bunker life would have been like and how he’d break into this site in the event of a Zombie attack.

We’re proud to have played a part in the restoration of this remarkable piece of Scotland’s hidden history – and we look forward to seeing how the bunker continues to evolve as the project progresses.

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