Rotor Radar Site. Anstruther, Fife. 2025

Challenge

Now more than ever, there is a growing need to identify and remove valuable legacy World War II and Cold War infrastructure. Much of this material lies forgotten beneath the ground, posing both a missed opportunity for recovery and a challenge for landowners seeking to reuse or develop sites safely and responsibly.

At a farm in Anstruther, historic radar tower foundations and extensive buried copper and lead networks remained hidden below the surface; unseen assets from a previous era, waiting to be uncovered.

Gilmerton Land Services (GLS) Solution

GLS undertook the excavation and recovery of these long-forgotten materials as documented in the short film What Lies Beneath. Through careful planning and controlled demolition, GLS safely dismantled historic radar tower foundations and recovered buried copper and lead infrastructure, ensuring that valuable materials were returned to productive use rather than left dormant underground.

The project highlights how informed recovery can unlock hidden value while preserving safety and environmental responsibility.

Scope of Works

• Historical site investigation
• Identification of buried legacy infrastructure
• Controlled demolition of radar tower foundations
• Excavation and recovery of underground copper and lead networks
• Removal of recovered materials for processing and reuse

Services Provided

• Identification and recording of live services
• Site investigation and assessment
• Excavation and asset recovery
• Demolition of redundant structures
• Materials handling and recycling
• Site reinstatement

Recovered From Site

• Historic radar infrastructure
• Buried copper and lead networks
• Redundant legacy materials suitable for recycling and reuse

The Result

The project serves as a powerful reminder that the past does not simply sit on the surface. By uncovering and recovering buried legacy assets, GLS transformed forgotten infrastructure into recovered value. What Lies Beneath demonstrates how careful excavation and recovery can return historic materials to use, supporting sustainability while safely preparing land for its next chapter.