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Barrage Balloon sighted above Glencoe Lochan
Monday 7th February 2011
A strange sight in the sky greeted Glencoe residents in mid-February 1941. Older residents in the Glen - myself included, as children remember seeing this.
A silver barrage balloon was stationary seemingly above Stob Coire nan Lochan. It was in fact above the head of Coire Gabhail where the cable had become stuck among the rocks It was thought to have come adrift during the devastating boming raids on Clydebank .
It stayed suspended, visible on the skyline, for some weeks until the 2 members of the Glencoe Home Guard, went up and shot it down.
The waterproof covering proved useful for making outdoor clothing and the silk interior for ladies' clothes. I beleive the remains of the metal cable is still lying there.
Many thanks to Alister Sutherland of Torren, Glencoe for this account.
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