Special Military Area Passes, 1916
The Highlands was designated a Special Military Area in July 1916 because the area from Inverness north was considered to be of supreme naval importance. To limit the risk of enemies in the area, movement of people was restricted and those who had been resident in the region since the 4th of August 1914 were required to apply for Local Passes in order to move freely. Passes had to be shown on the request of the Police or Army and had to be produced when travelling, particularly at railway stations. Anyone coming into the Highlands from the South could apply for a pass at their nearest police station. Permits were also issued, both for non-residents and for requesting permission for various restricted activities including sketching or taking pictures in a prohibited or restricted area. The yellow passes are from Inverness Burgh, the blue pass is from the County of Ross & Cromarty and the red pass is a Permit Book.
Writing Ideas
During the First World War a large section of the Highlands was designated a Special Military Area and movement was restricted. Write a short story describing your experiences living in the Highlands during the war.
Document Refs: GB0232/D1313-3-1, GB0232/D1371-4-1, GB0232/D1373-1-3, GB0232/D1373-2-2
