HES seeks views on First World War Military Training Camp

A historic military training camp could soon have its key features recognised as scheduled monuments as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced it is seeking views from the public on proposals to designate Stobs Camp in recognition of its national importance. The site, located near Hawick and spanning 7 square kilometres, consists of a civilian internment camp, prisoner-of-war camp and training trenches, all from the First World War, along with a tank target range used for military training up to and during the Korean War. 

The Stobs Estate was originally purchased by the War Office in 1902, with the aim of having a permanent training base and barracks for one of the Army Corps. Within months of its creation, nearly 20,000 troops had been through the camp and Stobs was dubbed ‘Scotland’s Aldershot’. The camp was thus larger than the population of Hawick, which at the time was about 17,000. 

The most important parts of what remains at the original site are now being considered for designation as scheduled monuments, including the remains of the camp, First World War training trenches and firing ranges, and a Second World War tracked target range for tanks that is unique to Scotland. Stobs is also home to the last surviving example of a First World War prisoner of war accommodation hut, that is still in its original location, in the UK. 

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said:

"Stobs Camp is an outstanding monument to Scotland’s role in the two great conflicts of the 20th century. It gives us a unique insight into the experience of those involved in these conflicts; those that served in the British military, civilian internees and prisoners of war.

"Designating a site as a scheduled monument is a way through which we can recognise and celebrate what makes this heritage special, along with ensuring it’s protected for future generations. We’re keen that the people have an opportunity to have their say as a part of this process and encouraging anyone with an interest in Stobs Camp to take part in our consultation."

The Stobs Camp public consultation will run until Thursday 2 March 2023. 

HES maintains a schedule (a list) of monuments of national importance. Scheduling is the process of adding monuments to this list. The aim of scheduling is to preserve our most significant sites and monuments as far as possible in the form in which they have been passed down to us today.

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES) 

• We are the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. We will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
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