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How the quiet Kingdom of Fife was once at the very heart of the Cold War

4 October 2017

The US military was stunned by the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik on October 4 1957.

For the first time in history, a man-made satellite was orbiting the earth.

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The arms race became even more intense as the Americans feared Russian technology was giving them a tactical edge.

This increase in tension was felt all around the world.

With its weapons bases, nuclear bunkers, and spy centres, Scotland played its part in this titanic struggle between East and West.

While the conflict may be over, some fascinating ruins of these Cold War facilities can still be found in Fife.

Sergei Korolev鈥檚 achievement

Sputnik launches

Soviet rocket engineer Sergei Korolev beats America into orbit.

Training boys to interrogate spies

Three teenagers who would go on to become famous playwrights were dispatched to in the 1950s to help fight the Cold War.

Crail was temporarily home to bright Grammar school boys , , and .

These national servicemen, among others, were being taught how to interrogate Russian spies at the

During their stay at the centre, which was nicknamed Heartbreak House, they were immersed in Russian language and culture.

Heartbreak House

Lessons from Heartbreak House

Where National Service conscripts including Alan Bennett and Dennis Potter learned Russian

A Scottish government in waiting

In the event of the Cold War turning hot, it was thought that London would not survive a nuclear blast.

The solution was to disperse different parts of government and the military to different areas of the country. St Andrews was one such place.

Designated a , a massive bunker was built to accommodate a government, the military as well as the 大象传媒.

The size of two football pitches and with walls three metres thick, this vast complex was abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

St Andrews鈥� nuclear bunker

Scotland鈥檚 secret Cold War bunker

Comedian Susan Calman visits a massive underground nuclear bunker in St Andrews

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