Solway masts to shine on

THE FUTURE of a Solway Coast landmark, the Anthorn radio station, has been secured for the time being.

Towering masts, which are partly illuminated, have been a prominent feature of the southern night sky in the Annan and Powfoot areas for over half a century.

The multi-purpose communications complex, located on a former Royal Naval Air Station, is owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and currently operated by Babcock International.

The site, three miles across the Solway from Annan, was included in a general review of MoD activities in the UK and overseas.

But an MoD spokesman has confirmed that the 13 familiar 745 feet high masts will remain a landmark for the foreseeable future.

He said: “Due to the size and complexity of the antennas at the site the MOD is carrying out some very early concept studies to identify the options for maintaining this important communications service.

“However, any proposed changes would be in the very long-term and there are currently no plans to significantly alter the current site infrastructure for many years to come.”

The site’s transmitters, some very low frequency, provide a communciations link with Royal Navy submarines and the sophisticated technology is understood to have additional NATO roles.

Anthorn is home to three atomic clocks which provide the UK official time signal, which among various uses triggers the time ‘pips’ featured on BBC radio networks.



NEWSDESK: 01461-202417

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