This field in the Scottish Borders is hiding a nuclear bunker that can be yours for £20,000
Bought on a whim in 2003 by antiques dealer John Letham, he is now getting rid of it after renovation plans fell through
BENEATH a field in the Scottish borders lies an incredible secret that can be yours for only £20,000.
A relic from the Cold War, it was bought by antiques dealer John Letham on a whim in 2003.
But now he is getting shot of his nuclear bunker and the 2,500-sqaure-foot field that surrounds it - after plans to renovate it fell through.
John, 54, explained: "I'm selling it as I no longer reside in the UK and hope someone else will be able to enjoy its location.
"I had many plans for the bunker but due to other commitments wasn't able to realize them.
"I purchased it in 2003 on a whim as I just loved the location.
"It had been put on the market by a telecoms company who had intended to put a mobile phone mast there but had then found it surplus to requirements."
The building in Traquair, Scottish Borders is a former Royal Observer Corps (ROC) monitoring post.
During the Cold War the corps was responsible for recording the radioactive fallout in the event of a nuclear blast.
To give members protection, underground bunkers were constructed.
Following the end of the Cold War, the nuclear threat diminished and the bunkers became redundant.
The bunker, built in 1962 and surrounded by open farmland, can only be accessed by climbing down a steel ladder in the access shaft.
It comprises of two rooms - the main room which was the communication centre, sleeping and living area, and a toilet.
There is also a small area at the bottom of the entrance shaft which would have been used for decontamination in the event of an attack.
There remains some of the original fittings and items in the bunker including a bucket toilet, a map showing other bunkers in the area, fitted furniture, and some teapots.
John admits he’s never actually stayed in the bunker himself, adding: “It was nice knowing it was there just in case anything ever did happen.
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"My experience of growing up during the cold war was one of feeling that a nuclear war was never far away.
"I remember seeing TV images of nuclear weapons being tested and feeling totally dismayed by their incredible power."
The surrounding area is a popular location for mountain biking, riding and walking while the nearby River Tweed is a haven for salmon fishing.
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