Anthrax Island

Made deadly and declared off limits after a germ warfare experiment authorised by Churchill in 1942... finally declared safe in 1990 and, now, a 'beautiful spot' visited by campers... but mysteries remain in story of Anthrax Island

- SUE LEE

JUST off the rugged north-west coast of the Highlands, Gruinard Island should be an idyllic destination for visitors seeking a get-away-from-it-all break.

But the dark past of this remote piece of land - dubbed Anthrax Island - means it is well and truly off the mainstream tourist trail.

Forty years ago this month teams began a decontamination process, to rid the island's soil of the effects of a top secret World War II germ warfare experiment, which had been green-lit by Winston Churchill.

Gruinard was finally declared safe in 1990 but the aftermath of those tests can still be felt.

John MacLaverty, who directed 2022 documentary The Mystery of Anthrax Island, said: "It's a beautiful spot. People in the area are aware of what went on with the island - it's a backdrop to their lives - but I felt its history deserved a wider audience.

"It's a popular tourist area. The island itself is visible from the road to those travelling the North Coast 500. The story is remarkable."

It was back in 1942, with war raging, that Churchill received intelligence that the Nazis may have the ability to make a biological weapon.

Professor Edward Spiers, an expert on biological and chemical warfare at Leeds University, explains: "There were intelligence reports that the French had been experimenting with a biological warfare option, but the research had fallen into German hands.

"The British had to prepare counter measures against such a threat.

"Churchill had no scruples about this - he would do whatever it took to ensure national survival. But the use of any such weapon would need full cabinet approval and would be deployed only in retaliation."