Faslane Peace Camp began in 1982 when a group of anti-nuclear protesters pitched camp on a small strip of land opposite the Gareloch in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The original intention of the campers was to stay for only two weeks. However, this became forgotten as the full enormity of their task became apparent. Instead they decided that the camp would be an organising base for Direct Action protests against the nuclear presence - for as long as was necessary. The tents were replaced by caravans as they set about planning the first of what was to be a long series of non-violent actions - which gained widespread coverage by the media.
"June 12th, 1982 started off grey and miserable but ended up a lovely, warm, happy day. At 9.30am, 14 of us set off in convoy for Faslane Submarine Base. We'd had all kinds of dire warnings from Dumbarton CND that we'd be immediately arrested for sedition so our feelings were a mixture of apprehension and excitement. We arrived at the site we had chosen for the camp and started putting up tents and banners. By midday we had the two tents up and the kettle on when along came our first encounter with the MoD. They informed us that we were on MoD land and would have to move but not to worry because they had found us another site. Down the road about 500 yards was the perfect place. There was a stream behind us and a tunnel which crossed over the busy main road. As well as this, the land belonged to Strathclyde Regional Council which had declared itself a nuclear-free zone. We moved the tents, re-erected the banners, lit a fire and set up camp. With many visitors who had arrived, we sat around the fire singing peace songs and dreaming of a "brave new world" will early in the morning, hoping that Faslane Peace Camp could help in any small way to stop the arms race."
The early '80s were the years of the mass rally and of peace camps being organised throughout Europe. A number of camps sprang up all over Britain, with an emphasis on Direct Action. Faslane Peace Camp was in a slightly better position than other camps in that both the local and regional councils fully supported the camp. The land was rented from the regional council for a nominal fee (Ł1 per month), and was given continuous planning permission from the district council. At first the planning permission was given on a yearly basis, then five yearly, and finally the camp was given planning permission indefinitely.
When the council boundaries changed in 1996/97 the camp came under eviction threat. The camp has been to court and in several meetings with the council. After actions last year the council have begun again to talk about getting rid of us. For info on how you can help with defences etc. see the Eviction Threat page.
WOULD ANY EX-CAMPERS LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING ABOUT THEIR TIME SPENT LIVING ON SITE? ALL STORIES, PHOTOS, ETC. ARE WELCOME. PLEASE EMAIL ANYTHING INTERESTING YOU MIGHT HAVE.