Monument record MHG56969 - Probable WWI Naval Ordnance building - Invergordon

A probable WWI Naval Ordnance building in Invergordon.

The site was investigated in 2015 as part of the ARCH project 'Invergordon in World War I'. On a Naval WWI plan in private possession, a building oriented north-south is depicted near a large complex labelled 'Naval Ordnance Offices, Workshop and Stores'. It is likely that this building was part of this complex. It is situated in an area which appears to be part of the Auction Mart at the time of the 2nd edition OS map (surveyed 1902). On a WWI aerial photo, it is clearly visible (the Naval Ordnance complex is between Outram and Hugh Miller Streets to the east of Bank Street), but does not appear in the 1930 aerial photograph. <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>