Torry Battery

For once I made it to the South side of the Dee, and up the hill to Torry Battery. This fortress was built in 1860 as a defence against the French, but also served in both world wars. It was also used as temporary accommodation for people made homeless by the effects of bombing after WWII, and also after WWI, though in the latter case this was more due to a general housing shortage.

It is now a listed monument, though not much remains. There are traces of gun emplacements that once protected the entrance to the harbour. The photograph shows the entrance to the fort, and the adjacent guard house, with a vey necessary fireplace. Aberdeen can be seen in the distance through the doorway.

The news will have said we were basking in sunshine in Aberdeen on Sunday. Indeed we were, but up at the fort there was a biting cold wind.

Lower down at sea level Aberdeen had gone mad in a frenzy at the appearance more of summer than spring. The beach area was a traffic jam of people trying to find parking spaces, and the rowing club was out in force on the Dee. Duthie park was also another parking nightmare.

Up at Torry Battery there were quite a few cars parked to admire the view. While I ventured out briefly to find a suitable blip I then quickly retired to the shelter of a nice warm car. From what I saw most others remained similarly sheltered. The sun and the News sometimes deceive, at least when there is a wind coming in off the sea.