Scotland's Last Remaining Prisoner of War Camp

Situated just a mile outside the picturesque village of Comrie, Perthshire, Cultybraggan Camp can be found nestling beneath the rugged Aberuchill Hills and alongside the Water of Ruchill. A peaceful location with a vibrant story.

History

It was constructed during the Second World War to house up to 4000 prisoners, first Italian and then German PoWs. Named PoW Camp 21, it had a notoriously hard reputation, housing dozens of SS officers, members of the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe & Marine Corps among others.

In 1948, it became a Ministry of Defence training camp. Thousands of personnel in the regular, territorial and cadet forces passed through its doors until its closure in 2004.

Three years later, the camp with its 80+ Nissen huts and the hillground to the south was purchased from the Ministry of Defence by the village of Comrie under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

Comrie Development Trust

The camp is now a thriving multi-use community resource run by Comrie Development Trust (CDT). Numerous businesses operate and many community groups benefit from the site. In addition, 40 full-size allotments have been created, as have the Community Orchard and the Community Woodland.

CDT aims to develop the camp as a model of sustainable development for rural communities across Scotland. It also undertakes to preserve the site and interpret the history for generations to come. The camp has been named by Historic Scotland as a Unique Heritage Asset of International Value.

The camp is open all year for visitors to explore, hire as a venue or even stay on holiday.

Storyboards

Information boards mark points of interest such as the PoW compounds, the old assault course, rifle range and also the nuclear bunker (which is now privately owned and not open to the public).

Best Time to Visit

April to October when the museum is open.

Food and Drink

Picnics can be enjoyed in the Community Orchard or in the Community Woodland.

Facilities

There is a visitor toilet at the museum and one public accessible toilet near the allotments.

Accessibility

All buildings are on the level. Electric buggies and wheelchairs can access all of the museum building unless the buggy is a wider version. We are working to make the building fully accessible.

Dogs

Dogs are very welcome on site, in the museum and cafe. Beware of traffic using the roads.

Guided Tours

Bespoke tours for groups and tour buses are available by prior arrangement. Contact Us for prices and to book.