Monument record MHG57063 - Possible WWI gate and fencing - Mill Street, Invergordon

A possible WWI gate and associated fencing on Mill Street, Invergordon.

The site was investigated in 2015 as part of the ARCH project 'Invergordon in World War I'. To the north of the 18th century girnal was an alley way in WWI and WWII. Remains of a gate and military fencing survive. This area was outside the M.O.D. boundary in WWII, so the fencing and gate may relate to WWI activity in the area. To the north of the alley was the electrical engineer's workshop and drawing office, while to the south was the girnal which had been incorporated into a smithy. <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>