Redford Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redford Barracks |
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| Colinton, Edinburgh, Scotland | |
The former Cavalry Barracks at Redford
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 Redford Barracks
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| Coordinates | 55°54′37″N 3°14′45″W / 55.91028°N 3.24583°W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1909–1915 |
| Built for | War Office |
| Architect | Harry Bell Measures |
| In use | 1915 – present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) |
Redford Barracks is a large military base in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located on Colinton Road, close to the Edinburgh City Bypass. This important site has been used by the British Army for over 100 years.
The barracks were built between 1909 and 1915 by the War Office. A famous architect named Harry Bell Measures designed them. When finished, Redford Barracks was the biggest military base built in Scotland since Fort George. Soldiers from Edinburgh Castle moved to Redford Barracks in 1923.
Today, Redford Barracks has two main parts. These are the Infantry Barracks and the Cavalry Barracks. They are both important historic buildings.
Contents
Exploring the Infantry Barracks
The Infantry Barracks was made to hold a whole infantry regiment. A regiment is a large group of soldiers. This part of the barracks could house about 1,000 men. It had everything a battalion (a smaller group within a regiment) needed.
Soldiers' families lived in homes near the barracks. Their children went to local schools. The main building held the battalion's main office. It also housed different types of soldier groups, called companies. The last battalion to use these barracks moved out in 2014.
Discovering the Cavalry Barracks
The Cavalry Barracks is a three-storey building. It has a tall clock-tower with a dome. This part of the base was built for a cavalry regiment. Cavalry soldiers used to ride horses. The barracks had many stables for the horses.
Famous cavalry units like the Royal Scots Greys stayed here. Later, when the army used tanks instead of horses, armoured units moved in. For example, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards were based here.
Since 2014, the Cavalry Barracks has been home to Balaclava Company. This is part of the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Another important group, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, also has its main office here.
Who is Based at Redford Barracks?
Many different army groups use Redford Barracks. Here are some of the main ones:
- Headquarters, 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland: This is like the main office for a large group of soldiers in Scotland.
- Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming: This is where soldiers learn to play bagpipes and drums.
- Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland: These are infantry soldiers.
- City of Edinburgh University Officers' Training Corps: This group trains university students to become army officers.
There are also groups for young people:
- Army Cadet Force: This is a youth organization linked to the army.
- Air Training Corps: This group teaches young people about the Royal Air Force.
The Future of Redford Barracks
For a while, there were plans to close Redford Barracks. In 2011, the army thought about moving soldiers to a different base. This would have meant closing Redford and another barracks.
However, these plans changed. In 2013, it was decided that Redford Barracks would stay open. Only a small part might close. The latest news is that the barracks will stay open until at least 2029.
Images for kids
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The former Cavalry Barracks at Redford
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The Infantry Barracks at Redford
