The American military presence in Scotland during the Cold War was greater than in either of the World Wars, bringing with it the largest peace-time number of foreign military personnel in Scotland’s history. This military power was delivered by individuals – the forgotten heroes. They worked to high standards of professionalism and most had no true concept of the danger they faced from the Soviet threat. This reality was only ever confronted during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

The author, a former Cold War special forces officer, brings his personal expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more than one hundred veterans and expert witnesses. Their contributions cover the nitty-gritty end of history, not high-end diplomacy. This fast-moving account of their endeavours, often in long working conditions, highlights the value of teamwork, training and determination.

It is clear that Scotland would have been a Soviet target of necessity once the American bases were established. Scotland was of great importance to the United States during the Cold War and this research shows that, for more than thirty years, Scotland was the capstone in Washington’s early Cold War strategy.

Scotland was an active centre of US strategic operations and the vital importance of its geographic position is clearly demonstrated as each location is examined, and its benefits listed. There were six significant bases, the most important being America’s only nuclear-armed submarine squadron in the Holy Loch. He details the operations which were carried out by the large radio spy stations (SIGINT) at Kirknewton, Thurso and Edzell. And he reveals for the first time America’s most bizarre intelligence gathering activity of the early Cold War, which also took place in Scotland.

Overall, this book provides an important addition to the conventional US/UK Cold War narrative. The United States desperately needed the assistance Scotland provided and the author presents a convincing narrative that Scotland was at the epicentre of the Cold War’s most terrifying episode – the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy’s success was greatly assisted by these Scottish bases which provided him with the firepower and intelligence to outwit Khrushchev. One section of the book deals with the visit of JFK’s top advisor to Holy Loch – a story that has never been revealed before. It emphasises the simple fact that Scotland’s role was a game changer.

An interesting theme throughout the book is the espionage effort mounted by the KGB against these bases. The author has interviewed senior intelligence officers and their input is revealing. These were exciting times for the young Americans who crossed the ocean to serve their country and this is their Cold War story.

This intriguing story will appeal to anyone interested in modern Scottish, British, American and Cold War military history. 

 ‘…uses over 150 interviews and his own experiences to tell the under-reported and now mostly forgotten role these American bases in Scotland played in the defence of NATO and the United States from Soviet aggression from 1960 to 1997. …does more than chronicle the history and importance of US bases in Scotland. …best parts … are the anecdotal interactions between the Americans based there during the Cold War and the local Scottish people… …a joy to read, while those who want a deeper understanding of how the Cold War played out will also want to explore Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards’. Joseph Mazzafro, retired US Navy Captain, formerly US Defense Intelligence Agency’s Liaison Offier (DIAL London) with the Ministry of Defence (MODUK)

‘…opens the door to a fascinating and little-known chronicle of Scotland’s critical military and intelligence roles in Allied efforts during the Cold War. It is an entertaining and enlightening story of planes, submarines, submariners (bubbleheads), ships, signals intelligence, secret balloons and Russian spies. …leaves no stone unturned in his fast-paced and extremely interesting coverage how Scotland and the Scottish people helped to win the Cold War. …        

What makes this book come alive for the reader and puts them in the story is Mackay’s extensive use of first-person interviews of those who made this bit of Cold War history. …you will enjoy this well-written and well-sourced behind the scenes look at one of the most important chapters in the history of the Cold War. This is the perfect book for every Cold War enthusiast and should enjoy a prominent place on their bookshelves’. The Cipher Brief

'…highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys military history and doubly recommend it to any with a particular interest in Scotland’s military or the Cold War. …would give this book 4 out of 5 stars'. The Scottish Nebraskan

'…an outstanding book that fills important gaps in Scotland's relatively recent history. … This is a part of Scottish history that many of us lived through and this book illuminates its subject in a way that will be of lasting interest and value to anyone who cares about the story of Scotland'. Undiscovered Scotland

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