Cairnbaan Camp Argyllshire – Labour Camp phase
The images are sourced with help from Janet Quarton (a one time resident in the camp in its later forestry days) and also other contributors. The year when the photograph was taken is currently not certain.
Another but closer view of the Cairnbaan Camp taken around the same time as the images in Forestry Memories 4607 and 4608. The buildings have again been numbered in the same sequence as in the previous images.
As this viewpoint is closer to the camp, individual people can be seen working in and around the site. In the foreground two people appear to be cutting the grass – one on areas either side of the entrance gate. Up above Hut No 21 a group of four people are carrying a long shaped load which could be a large straining post for a fence or perhaps even material for a water supply. Did the water come from the burn up to the left?
Above Huts No 18 and 19 are groups of men standing and sitting near piles of material and further right with some more possibly towards and above Hut No 17. In all about 21-22 people are visible in the scene.
The men who were placed in these camps for a period of work training came mainly from the industrial areas of Scotland where, during the depression, there was major unemplyment. Much of their 'training' apparently consisted of working in the local forests where they often built roads. The camps may only have operated outwith the winter period.
Any stories and details from these early days would be very welcome.
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Groups: Buildings in Forests, Forestry Areas