Dreghorn Barracks

Dreghorn Barracks are located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The barracks are situated at the southern edge of the city, south of Colinton, and adjacent to the Edinburgh City Bypass.

Dreghorn Barracks
Dreghorn, Edinburgh, Scotland
Entrance to Dreghorn Barracks
Dreghorn Barracks
Coordinates55.9022°N 3.2395°W / 55.9022; -3.2395
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
Operator British Army
Site history
Built1937–1939
In use1939 – present
Garrison information
Occupants3rd Battalion, The Rifles

History

The present barracks complex was largely built in 1937–1939 to designs by William Alexander Ross.[1][2] The barracks were upgraded in 1989–1992, with the addition of several new buildings. The four original buildings are protected as a category C(s) listed building.[2]

The barracks were built in the grounds of Dreghorn Castle, a 17th-century mansion built by Sir William Murray, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland.[3] The castle was extended around 1805 by Archibald and James Elliot.[4] The castle was acquired by the War Office in 1893, and was eventually demolished in 1955.[4]

A monument outside the barracks on Redford Road commemorates the insurgent covenanters of the Pentland Rising who were defeated at the Battle of Rullion Green in 1666. The monument was erected in 1884 by R A Macfie of Dreghorn House, and incorporates columns taken from the 18th-century Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, designed by William Adam and demolished the previous year.[5]

Covenanters' Monument beside Dreghorn Barracks to those who perished in and after the Pentland Rising

In the 19th century it had been the home of Robert Andrew Macfie.

As part of the Future Force 2020 budgetary announcement in July 2011, RAF Kirknewton was to have been developed into a major Army base to host a Multi-Role Brigade[6] and Dreghorn Barracks was earmarked for disposal.[7] However plans to develop Kirknewton as an Army barracks were scrapped in March 2013 and Dreghorn Barracks will now be retained.[8]

Dreghorn is one of the three barracks comprising the City of Edinburgh Garrison. It has been the home for 3rd Battalion, The Rifles since 2014.[9]

See also

References
  1. "William Alexander Ross". Dictionary of Scottish Architects.
  2. Historic Environment Scotland. "Redford Road, Dreghorn Barracks, comprising Guard House, Barrack Block, Band Block, and Battalion Headquarters  (Category C Listed Building) (LB49566)". Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  3. "Dreghorn Barracks". Gazetteer for Scotland.
  4. Historic Environment Scotland. "Dreghorn Castle (51789)". Canmore. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  5. Historic Environment Scotland. "Redford Road, Covenanters' Monument  (Category B Listed Building) (LB27809)". Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  6. "Defence Basing Review" (PDF). Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  7. House of Commons Library: Standard Note:SN06038
  8. "BBC News - Army bases: Fewer than expected troops to return to Scotland". Bbc.co.uk. 5 March 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  9. "The Rifles". British Army units 1945 on. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
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