11 – Anti-submarine nets in the Forth

Several lines of anti-submarine nets were strung across the Forth from the Forth Bridge to Fidra.

Under the bridge the nets were hung from catenary cables which could be lowered to allow ships to cross.

Further down-river, the nets were slung between wooden dolphins in shallow water, and from lines of buoys strung between moored trawlers in deeper water.

Gates were provided at several points; these were sections of net that could be swung aside by a guard-ship.

The painting below is The Gate Ship at Granton Painted Scarlet to Indicate the Port Entrance through One of the Barriers across the Firth of Forth by Charles Pears.