Monument record MHG56963 - WWI Naval storehouse - Outram Street, Invergordon

A former Naval storehouse in Outram Street, Invergordon, constructed by the Admiralty during WWI.

The site was investigated in 2015 as part of the ARCH project 'Invergordon in World War I'. On the 2nd edition OS map (surveyed 1902) this site is three back gardens relating to houses on Clyde Street. A WWI Naval plan in private possession shows a large rectangular building on the site, labelled 'Naval Storehouse E', with a branch railway line to the north of the building. A WWI aerial photo shows it with five bays, running north-south. In a 1930 aerial photograph, the site had reverted to three gardens. Remains of concrete foundations and metal spikes in the wall are visible in the eastern area. <1>

At least three versions of a WWI Naval plan survive, two in private collection which probably date to wartime, and one in the National Archives (MPI 1/641/4) which dates to 1921. On all three the buildings taken over or built by the Navy are shaded, but there are a few discrepancies between the plans. One of the plans in private collection has enlarged details, but only shows the Admiralty buildings and not others in the town. Valuation Rolls also indicate some buildings not shaded on our plans were taken over by the military. It is clear from contemporary photographs that the army built additional buildings, particularly north of Cromlet Drive. <2>