Details of Meeting held on 31 October 2013

On Thursday 31st October, South Queensferry  Rotarians enjoyed one of the most fascinating and accomplished talks this season. The speaker was Geoffrey Stell. Head of Architecture at the Royal Commission of Ancient Monuments and his topic: Defending the Forth. To compress such an extensive subject into the allotted time was very demanding, but in a well-illustrated presentation, Mr Stell took us from the barrier of boats moored across the Forth by Edward I to restrict shipping which might aid the Scots, to the establishment of castles such as Blackness to protect access to the vital bridging point at Stirling. Napoleonic times saw the erection of a Martello tower at Leith and the building of three forts on Inchkeith. Completed in 1916, Rosyth Naval Base became the focus of vast rings of defences down the Forth. Gun emplacements, minefields, boom defence, and airborne cover from Fife and East Fortune played their part and in the Second World War, anti-aircraft batteries and barrage balloons were added as well as more  unusual defences like hydrophones for tracking submarines, twin six-pounder guns capable of firing 72 rounds per minute on Inchkeith and even shore-based torpedo stations at Methil and Burntisland to counter possible E-Boat attacks. Many vestiges of these defences may still be seen and it is certain that club members will be looking at objects on the Forth with renewed interest after this exceptional talk.

President Iain Fairbairn presented a video of scenes from the recent District Conference at Ayr. An excellent time was had by all club members and partners who attended.

On Saturday 2nd November, Rotarians were present at Hopetoun House Fireworks Display. Stewarding duties and provision of children's security wrist bands boosted funds for the End Polio Now.