Carlingnose Battery – 1900 Arrival of the guns

By 1900, construction of the Carlingnose battery was complete and two 6inch guns had arrived at Leith. Work was progressing at the Coastguard Station site and on Inchgarvie.

West Lothian Courier, Friday, September 21, 1900

The Defences of the Forth. – Fortifications at Queensferry. – Rapid progress is being made with the fortifications at North Queensferry, Inchgarvie and also on the south side of the Forth. The works are assuming dimensions, considerably larger than those originally contemplated, and the scheme of defence should prove of the most complete description. The principal works are at Carlingnose, North Queensferry, occupying a commanding position, 190 feet above the level of the sea. One of the batteries is all but completed, surveying being ready for the mounting of the gun, and the construction of the other batteries being pushed rapidly forward. The two 6-inch guns which are to be placed on the forts have now arrived at Leith. Messrs J. and D. Meikle, Ayr, who are the contractors for the forts at Carlingnose, have also succeeded in obtaining the contract for the erection of guardroom, barracks, and the requisite store accommodation. The buildings which are to be erected adjoining the fortifications, and overlooking Port Laing Sands, are of a very extensive nature, and will quite alter the appearance of the locality. As only a comparatively small number of men will be permanently stationed at the forts, it is thought that the barracks will be used principally for training purposes. A good deal of activity is also being displayed at the coastguard station, where two 12-pounders are to be placed, and a powerful search-light fitted up. A fort for two guns is to be built on Inchgarvie, the island lying midway between the north and south sides of the estuary. The old buildings on the island are already being removed. It is interesting to note that the island was esteemed an important post of defence on former times, a fort having been built of Inchgarvie in 1491, and having continued in use till 1550. The scheme of defence also includes the erection of two guns on the south side of the Forth. In addition to all this, a number of mines have been laid under the Forth within recent years.