Your memories: 'Nuclear course was the best two weeks served'

The threat of a nuclear attack on Edinburgh was never something Peter Sharp gave much thought to in his teenage years, until he was called up to train for the aftermath.

The 75-year-old from Duddingston, who grew up in Carrick Knowe, explains: "I was one of the nation's servicemen who was sent on a course to participate, if necessary, in the workings of the city's Cold War underground bunkers.

"I was called up to the RAF in June 1954 and, when you were recruited, the period of time you had to serve was two years training and a further seven as a reservist. In that period you could be recalled to serve the country.

"A few weeks before my demob in 1956, to my horror, I was ordered to go on a course, but it turned out to be the best two weeks of my time served.

"I was sent to Chorley, in Lancashire, and was left in the hands of the training establishment for the fire brigade. I think there were about 24 RAF lads from different camps and they made us work really hard. So much so, I weighed ten stone, four pounds when I arrived and nine stone, ten pounds when it was completed.

"We found out, however, instead of our reserve years being allocated to the RAF, we were to become part of a new 'civil defence corps' in case of an atomic attack.

"I was informed that, should the worst happen, I would be sent to Galloway where I'd be expected to make sure dignitaries and people of importance could be cared for until it was safe to come out. I was contacted once to report for duty in the early 1960s, but fortunately, even though they sent me my travel warrant and instructions, they were eventually cancelled."