Carlingnose Battery – 1898-1899 acquiring the sites

As reported in the press, the site for Carlingnose Fort was acquired in 1899.

The Linlithgowshire Gazette and Lothians Chronicle November 12, 1898

PROPOSED FORTIFICATIONS AT THE FORTH BRIDGE. – With the view of erecting fortifications in defence of the Forth Fridge, the War Office authorities are at present negotiating with ex-Bailie Roberts, Edinburgh, and the Incorporation of the Guildry of Dunfermline for the acquisition of a piece of land, expending to about 26 acres on the North Queensferry coast, on the eastward side of the bridge. Some time ago, Major Reynolds, of the Royal Artillery, examined the ground, and as the result of his report the War Office authorities have signified their intention to purchase, and the acquisition will doubtless be carried through. The area to be acquired extends from ex-Bailie Roberts’ farm steading at Carlingnose to Port Laing, and embodies the Scaur Hill. It is understood that the proposal is to place an extensive battery, supplied with powerful guns, on the ground at Carlingnose, and also to erect a flash-light station.

Work commenced immediately on preparing the site, and negotiations began for the acquisition of land at the coastguard station.

Fife Free Press April 29th 1899

THE FORTH FORTIFICATIONS

Operations have already begun in connection with the fortification works at North Queensferry. On the ground acquired from Mr Roberts, Edinburgh, at Carlingnose, a temporary test room has been erected near the quarry, and it is understood that other work is soon to be proceeded with. the War Office has not yet arranged terms with the Incorporation of the Guildry of Dunfermline for land which it is proposed to acquire at the Battery Pier, where it is intended to provide a submarine and searchlight station. The submarine vessel, the Dido, has been lying near the Forth Bridge for a fortnight, and experiments have been conducted under the direction of Major Reynolds.

Further land near the Coastguard Station and on Inchgarvie was acquired in 1899 for more batteries and Defence Lights (searchlights).

Linlithgowshire Gazette and Lothians Chronicle July 1, 1899

QUEENSFERRY

THE FORTIFICATIONS OF THE FORTH. – The negotiations by the War Office authorities with the Incorporation of the Guildry of Dunfermline for the acquisition of ground at North Queensferry for fortification works have been resumed. A definite offer has now been received by the Guildry for a piece of land lying in contiguity to the coastguard station and Messrs Brunton’s quarry. The ground sought to be purchased is less in extent than that originally surveyed; but, in view of a considerable amount of land having been taken off from Mr Roberts, Edinburgh at Carlingnose, it is stated that this will be sufficient for the War Offices purposes. The offer is at present under consideration, and Major Reynolds is to be asked to mark off the exact portion of the Guildry property that is desired. Meantime progress is being made with the works at Carlingnose where it is intended to mount on a commanding position to guns of six-inch bore. The estimated cost is believed to be about £6,000. Apparatus for submarine mines is also being laid down. It is reported that a part of the island of Inchgarvie has been acquired by the Government from the Forth Bridge Railway Company.