Bubbleheads, Seals and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War

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.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.

Overall, this book provides an important addition to the conventional US/UK Cold War narrative. 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. 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.

Author hometown: Scotland