Visit Scotland's Largest Secret Bunker
Discover the history of Scotland’s best kept secret
Scotland’s Secret Bunker, Troywood, Nr St Andrews is a ‘Visit Scotland’ 4 star visitor attraction. An innocent looking farmhouse conceals the entrance to Scotland’s best kept secret for over 50 years. Come and see for yourself, Scotland’s Secret Underground Nuclear Command Centre, near St Andrews, and discover the twilight world of the Government Cold War.
This amazing labyrinth, on two levels, 100 feet below ground, and encased in 15 feet of reinforced concrete, is where central government and military commanders would have run the country had the UK been attacked and nuclear war broken out. The Bunker contains two cinemas, a cafe, the nuclear operations room, an RAF control centre and the Royal Observer Corps and dormitories. Scotland’s best kept secret is on your doorstep!
Following the end of the Cold War, one of Anstruther’s best-kept secrets has become a major tourist attraction. A secret nuclear bunker, built in 1951 and operational until 1993, is located on the B940 near the village. During its operational life, it looked like an ordinary domestic dwelling, but has been renovated and is now open to the public as a museum.
The bunker was a subsidiary Regional Seat of Government in time of possible nuclear emergency and would have been occupied by the UK Armed Forces, UKWMO, Royal Observer Corps, and other Civil Service personnel.
Full of secrets, come with us and we'll show you....much much more
The entrance tunnel to the Secret Bunker stretches nearly 450 feet from the start and gradually slopes downhill to the top floor of the bunker.
Encased in two feet of concrete, the tunnel leads you to the bunker which is almost 100 feet below ground level.
The Secret Bunker houses a number of air intakes and extractors which maintain the temperature of the bunker at a natural temperature of 18 degrees….you won’t be cold!!
THE BUNKER
THE COMMAND CENTRE
See where it was all going on...
The Secret Bunker houses a number of rooms which acted as a Command Centre during the Cold War.
The radar room displays some of the equipment that was among the last to record interceptions of Soviet incursions into British air space during the final days of the Cold War.
The RAF operations room is complete rebuild of the original 1950s RAF centre which was housed at this site. This room includes a “Tote” board which shows aircraft and anti-aircraft gun status, as well as original files and papers which were left behind after the end of the Cold War.
Rest with the best of them
Six dormitories were built in the Secret Bunker which were intended to sleep up to 300 personnel. As the bunker had to be on full alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week a ‘hot beds’ principle had to be adopted. With employees working up to 18 hours a day, they could then rest for 6 and then swap their bunk with another member of personnel when they started their next shift. The Secretary of State had his own suite of rooms and the private secretary and military liaison staff were also all provided with separate living quarters. The Minister of State had his own private office which overlooks the nuclear operations room.
THE DORMITORIES
THE bROADCASTING STUDIO
Don't keep it secret, tell the world...
The Secret Bunker housed its very own broadcasting studio, which was staffed by the BBC, to ensure that in the event of a nuclear strike emergency broadcasts could be transmitted.
All other radio and TV channels would automatically go off-air and the emergency broadcast would inform people of the dangers.
If all else fails..... pray...
The Secret Bunker has it’s very own Chapel which had a resident clergy throughout the Cold War. The Chapel even welcomed a wedding between two local residents in 1994!
THE CHAPEL
THE CND ROOM
discover the CND Room
Most of our guests are surprised to find a room dedicated to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament at Scotland’s Secret Bunker. We wish to provide a balanced and informative experience for all of our visitors and believe that this is an important part of the story.
The CND room has been created in conjunction with the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (SCND) who ensure the most up-to-date information is presented. The display indicates where Nuclear materials are currently located within Scotland and demonstrates how real the issue remains…fingers crossed the Government don’t ask for their Bunker back!!!
The Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament works for the abolition of all nuclear weapons in Britain as a step toward the global elimination of these weapons of mass destruction.
“Scotland is at the centre of the issue of Trident. All British nuclear weapons are based here and the UK government are planning to spend £167 billion on new nuclear-armed submarines. These would be based on the Clyde despite the fact that most Scots don’t want them. The Scottish Parliament and 58 of the 59 Scottish MPs at Westminster oppose Trident renewal.” (www.banthebomb.org, 2016)
Time for refreshments...
During the Cold War the canteen was used by 300 personnel daily and we have carefully preserved many original features in today’s café.
We offer a selection of hot and cold snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy from cakes and coffees to freshly made sandwiches and paninis.
Our café also has a range of memorabilia on the walls for you to view!
The café is open every day during our open season.
THE OFFICERS MESS CAFE
Got a question?
The friendly Secret Bunker team are ready to answer your questions about everything from buying tickets for groups, to booking a special event.
- Group bookings
- School visits
- Corporate events
- Birthday Parties
- Team building events
- Wedding venue hire
- Special occasions
- Dinner dances
Just fill in our enquiry form and we’ll call or email you to help.
VISITOR Reviews
Scotland's Secret Bunker
Scotland's Secret Bunker, St Andrews
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This place was really interesting. Despite the fact I'm not really into military history I still had a great and very educational visit. It's so much bigger … read more than I expected and there's so many rooms.Some of the displays were a bit dated and could do with a refresh, however it wasn't a major issue.Look out for the two cats who live in the bunker - unfortunately we didn't spot them!
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Undoubtedly one of the best museums in Scotland. The bunker is fascinating and offers an eerie glimpse into Cold War history. Scotland’s Secret Bunker is an incredible … read more experience, offering a real sense of what life would have been like during a nuclear crisis. The exhibits are well-preserved, and walking through the underground tunnels feels like stepping back in time.
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Not quite a secret any more! This doesn't look like much above ground but it's a huge site below ground & depicts so much history of various eras. … read more Definitely recommended. Parking is free & not too far from the entrance allowing you to save your energy for walking around inside.
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Fabulous place, so much history and breathtaking visual displays of technology back then. Really worth a visit. Oh and the cats.... just so beautiful.
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Extremely well preserved Cold War bunker with lots of equipment. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop. There is parking available on site.
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I had no idea this existed, just outside St Andrews and under an hour from Dundee. What a fantastic piece of history! Really interesting, loads to see inside and … read more lots of information. Some trucks and planes outside Entry cost £37 for 2 adults. Definitely worth a visit if your in the area.
