Skaw closed in 1947,[6] with Historic Environment Scotland describing its remains as "a remarkably well-preserved military complex... [with] an important part to play in the story of the defence of the United Kingdom during World War Two.

The Type 80 had an effective range over 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi), covering the entire Shetland Islands and a significant portion of the Norwegian Sea.

Installation of Saxa's Type 80 began in 1955, but was blown 50 yards (46 m) off its mountings by winds gusting to 177 miles per hour (285 km/h) in January 1956.

91 Signals Unit officially formed up at Saxa Vord on 27 September 1957, was declared operational on 5 October 1957, and in 1960 was visited by Queen Elizabeth II.

The signals unit badge was adopted by the station and it continued with the motto of Praemoneo de periculis (Latin for I give advanced warning about danger).

[13][14] By the time Linesman was operational it was considered outdated; much of the equipment was based on decades-old designs, and built using components that were no longer available.

Even before it was declared operational the decision had been made to replacing it as soon as possible, A new system, IUKADGE, emerged during a several-year definition process.

[19] In September 2017, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that £10 million would be invested in Saxa Vord to reactivate the site as a Remote Radar Head.

The move will provide better coverage of the airspace to the north of the UK, in response to increased Russian military activity.

[20][21] Work began in October 2017 to move a Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 L-band radar from RRH Staxton Wold in North Yorkshire to Saxa Vord.

[21][23] As part of a major upgrade of RRH sites around the UK the MOD began a programme titled HYDRA in 2020 to install new communications buildings, radar towers and perimeter security.

Planning permission for the SaxaVord Spaceport was initially denied by Historic Environment Scotland citing the damage to the surviving World War Two structures;[26] however, in January 2022 the objection was withdrawn, stating "We recognise the benefits that this development will bring to the community in Unst".