18. Connel, Oban. (NM 905 347)

Built in the early 1960s as headquarters of the 27 Group Royal Observer Corps (ROC), the HQ controlled 40 ROC monitoring posts between Mallaig and the Clyde. The role of the ROC was to collect and record nuclear blasts and fall-out information to allow the military to move to safe areas and continue fighting a nuclear war. In 1973, 27 Group was disbanded and the functions of the base were transferred elsewhere. However, Connel remained in operation until 1992 as a communications centre, linked by landline to a similar ROC centre in Inverness. Further information and photographs of Connel are at www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/o/oban.