Cameron Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cameron Barracks |
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| Inverness | |
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Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Cameron Barracks
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 Cameron Barracks
Location within Invernesshire
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| Coordinates | 57°28′54″N 4°12′9″W / 57.48167°N 4.20250°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1876–1884 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1884 – present |
Cameron Barracks is a historic military base. It stands on Knockentinnel Hill, just outside Inverness in Scotland. This important site has been used by the military for over a hundred years.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Barracks
The barracks were built between 1880 and 1886 by the Royal Engineers' Office. They were originally planned to be a main base, called a depot, for two Scottish army groups: the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot and the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot. This was part of changes made to the army in 1873.
Later, in 1881, the barracks became the main home for the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. This was due to more army changes.
During the First World War, Cameron Barracks was very busy. Thousands of new soldiers came here to join the army. Wounded soldiers also passed through the barracks. Towards the end of the war, soldiers came here to leave the army. For a time, people who refused to fight in the war were held here. Even the crew of a captured German submarine were kept at the barracks.
The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders stayed at the barracks until September 1960. They then moved to Fort George. Soon after, their group joined with another.
The Buildings: Architecture Style
The buildings at Cameron Barracks are built in a style called Baronial. This style often looks like old Scottish castles. The barracks has four two-story buildings. They form three sides around a large open area called a parade ground.
Two of the buildings have special round towers in the middle. These towers have pointy, cone-shaped roofs. A balcony connects the two towers above the main entrance. Another building has a unique clock-tower that is not perfectly even. At one corner, there is a square tower that forms the main gate. The barracks was officially recognized as an important historic building in 1971.
Music and Military: Piping Traditions
Cameron Barracks has a strong connection to military bagpipe music. The first army class for learning bagpipes was held here in 1910. Expert teachers helped soldiers learn to play.
Today, this tradition continues with the Army Cadet Force. Every year during the Easter school holidays, young cadets come to Cameron Barracks. They spend eight days learning to play the bagpipes.
Who Uses the Barracks Today?
Today, Cameron Barracks is mostly used for army training. However, some smaller military groups are based there permanently.
- The main office for The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, which is part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
