Brief
Cold War nuclear bunker in Scotland listed for £24,000
The underground shelter, built to protect three people during a nuclear attack, will be auctioned online on 8 October.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A former Royal Observer Corps fallout shelter near Alford in Aberdeenshire is being put up for auction with a guide price of £24,000. The underground bunker, constructed in 1962, was designed to house three occupants for up to two weeks and to monitor nuclear fallout.
The site remained operational until September 1991, when the ROC was stood down. It was then secured, padlocked and later listed for sale by Glasgow‑based Future Property Auctions. The auction will be conducted online on Thursday 8 October.
Inside the bunker are original items such as a WB1401 carrier receiver and WB1410 filter unit, part of the UK’s Handel nuclear warning system, as well as a tool board, wall‑mounted shelf, mirror, visitors’ log, ROC magazines, fire blanket, original canvas folding chair, kettle and other period artefacts. Some objects have been donated to the Alford Heritage Centre, which displays a dedicated ROC room.
The listing notes that the bunker was never required to fulfil its nuclear war role and that the British government cancelled upgrade plans after the Cold War ended. The exterior retains its original padlock and surface features, though some khaki paint is flaking.
Key facts
- The bunker was built in 1962 to monitor nuclear fallout and house three people for up to two weeks. (independent.co.uk)
- It remained operational until September 1991 when the Royal Observer Corps was stood down. (independent.co.uk)
- Future Property Auctions will hold an online auction on 8 October with a guide price of £24,000. (independent.co.uk)
- Original equipment includes a WB1401 carrier receiver and WB1410 filter unit from the UK's Handel warning system. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Inside the nuclear bunker that could be yours for as little as £24k”
