Description

The monument is a wartime lookout tower situated on the summit of Ander Hill, and built during the first World War, probably in 1917.

The tower was built as part of a system of defences protecting the seaward approaches to the anchorage of Lerwick. As such, it commands an extensive view along the E coast of Bressay and beyond. It is of harled concrete block construction, with smooth-finished blockwork on the quoin stones, lintels and jambs of window and door apertures. The tower is of 2 floors with a flat roof, provided with a parapet for use as an observation platform. In addition to the tower, an underground shelter, accessed by a ground-level trapdoor, a cast-iron water-pump and a concrete footing with the remains of a wooden signalling pole survive in close proximity, and are to be included within the scheduled area.

The area to be scheduled is square, 40m on each side, to include the tower, underground shelter, water-pump and signalling pole, as indicated in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well-preserved example of a category of structure once widespread but now scarce, and as part of a group of structures which as a whole illustrate the principles of coastal defence systems established during the First World War. In addition, the monument is of importance for its historical associations, being one of the few tangible reminders of Shetland's vital strategic role in two World Wars.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the site as HU54SW 25.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland