Case Study: Managing unexpected hazards - safe and controlled response to unexploded ordnance discovery
Overview
Scottish Woodlands Ltd was engaged in a peatland restoration project at Glen Dye Moor, south west of Banchory in Aberdeenshire. The project involved working with specialist contractors Taiga Upland to restore valuable peatland habitats. During excavation work in late April 2025, the contractors encountered an unexpected historical artefact - what appeared to be unexploded military ordnance.
Challenge
When undertaking environmental restoration projects on land with historical military use, there's always potential for discovering unexploded ordnance (UXO). In this instance, the team discovered what turned out to be an anti-tank projectile, likely to date back to military training exercises conducted between the World Wars. Such discoveries present immediate safety risks to workers and the public, requiring specialised expertise beyond standard forestry management.
Solution
Scottish Woodlands implemented a comprehensive safety protocol:
1. Contractors immediately halted all work and evacuated the site;
2. Scottish Woodlands Ltd, as site managers, were notified with precise location details (using What3Words);
3. Forest Manager James Macpherson-Fletcher contacted local police with detailed information and photographic evidence;
4. The Ministry Of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team based at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh was engaged;
5. A 100-metre safety cordon was established and monitored;
6. Military specialists assessed and safely removed the object.
Results
The UXO was identified as a 6lb quick-fire anti-tank shot/projectile, likely to be from inter-war military training exercises by military personnel. The EOD team confirmed it was inert and posed no threat. The incident demonstrated Scottish Woodlands' commitment to safety protocols and efficient crisis management - with clear guidance established for any similar discoveries in the future.
Ian Robinson, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, said: "The contractors and our staff have followed a very clear protocol which puts safety first at every stage, for both workers and the general public. I'd like to commend everyone involved for the swift and clear-headed response to this find - once again. highlighting the top-quality nature of all operations carried out by Scottish Woodlands Ltd."
