David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War.His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades.David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more than one hundred veterans and expert witnesses. Their contributions reveal the personal stories of history, not high-end diplomacy. We also delve into the espionage efforts mounted by the KGB against these bases through trawlers and agents on the ground. Among the many stories that David details are the nuclear missile submarine operations from Holy Loch, the large radio spy stations and reveals for the first time one of America’s most bizarre intelligence gathering activities of the early Cold War.Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode345/Buy the book and support us here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781849955546The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLove history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod

00:00  Introducing Cold War Conversations and David Mackay01:54 David Mackay: From Paratrooper to Cold War Historian05:30 The Strategic Importance of Scottish Bases in the Cold War08:32 Project Genetrix: Balloons, Espionage, and Cold War Ingenuity16:49 The U.S. Submarine Base in Scotland: Strategic Decisions and Local Impact26:55 Espionage and Security: Spies, Spetsnaz, and Surveillance33:20 The Soviet Presence in Scotland: Trawlers, Spies, and Local Encounters41:25 Close Encounters of the Naval Kind42:09 The Cat and Mouse of Cold War Submarines42:53 Espionage and a High Seas Emergency44:13 Gathering Intel46:21 Signals Intelligence and the Scottish Connection56:14 The Strategic Importance of Machrihanish01:04:56 Prestwick Airport: A Cold War Crossroads01:08:29 Reflecting on the Cuban Missile Crisis01:11:37 Personal Anecdotes and Cold War ReflectionsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices