Redford Barracks

In 1915, amidst the tumult of the First World War, Redford Barracks sprang to life. It became the largest military installation built in Scotland since Fort George in the 18th century. Redford Barracks stands as a testament to a bygone era. It whispers tales of soldiers, horses, and the ever-present drumbeat of history. Redford Barracks was strategically positioned on Colinton Road, near the Edinburgh City Bypass. The barracks was designed by the architect Harry Bell Measures. It originally housed an entire infantry regiment, accommodating up to 1,000 men within its walls. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the Infantry Barracks. Soldiers would be going about their daily routines. Families lived in nearby service quarters. Children attended local schools, their lives intertwined with the rhythm of military life. The main barrack block housed the battalion headquarters, a Rifle Company, a Fire Support Company, and Headquarters Company. Two other Rifle Companies were stationed in a separate, newer block. The last battalion to occupy these historic grounds was the 3rd Battalion The Rifles. They moved out in 2014, leaving behind a legacy etched in stone. Now, let’s shift our gaze to the Cavalry Barracks. This three-story structure, crowned by a tall domed clock-tower, was originally built to house a cavalry regiment. The most famous of these was the Royal Scots Greys. Picture the scene: horses being groomed in the stables, the clatter of hooves on the cobblestones, the gleam of polished saddles. With the stationing of armored units in Germany, the Cavalry Barracks found a new purpose. It became home to D Squadron, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, from 1971 until their disbandment in 1976. Today, Redford Barracks continues to serve as a military installation. It is home to Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as the Regimental Headquarters of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry. As of January 2024, 370 UK Armed Forces Service personnel were based here. But time marches on, and even Redford Barracks is not immune to change. Scheduled for closure in 2029, the barracks is destined for transformation. The City of Edinburgh Council has unveiled plans to create 800 new homes on the site. This marks the end of an era for Redford Barracks. But its legacy will endure. The stories of the soldiers who trained and lived here. The echoes of horses’ hooves. The silent watch of the clock tower. These will continue to resonate within the very fabric of this historic site.