News story

Army benefits from contract to modernise Defence estate in Edinburgh

Army personnel will benefit from new and improved facilities across Dreghorn Barracks, Glencorse Barracks and Colinton Road Reserve Centre.

Army personnel in Edinburgh are set to benefit from improved living, working and training facilities, following the announcement of a new contract that will deliver infrastructure investment at three locations on the Defence estate in Scotland.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted GRAHAM Building to deliver a £142.1 million programme of investment at Dreghorn Barracks, Glencorse Barracks and Colinton Road Reserve Centre.

The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, a £5.1 billion investment in more modern and sustainable infrastructure that meets future operational requirements and enhances the lived experience of military personnel.

The DEO Army project will see GRAHAM Building deliver a combination of new buildings and refurbished assets across all three sites.

Belinda Lunn, DEO Army Programme Director, said,

This investment in new and improved military infrastructure in Edinburgh will deliver significant and long-lasting benefits for the Army. The project will provide a wide range of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that support operational capability and enhance the environments in which personnel live, work and train.

At Dreghorn Barracks, the scope of works includes new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and training facilities alongside an armoury, garages and a new band facility, as well as refurbished offices and stores.

New SLA, offices, stores, and an armoury are planned at Glencorse Barracks alongside a pony stable and paddock, while investment in Colinton Road Reserve Centre is set to provide a new guard house, as well as catering, garaging, stores and offices.

Warren Webster, DIO MPP (Major Programmes & Projects) Programme Director – Army, said:

The award of this contract marks the start of a programme of significant investment and improvement to the Army’s sites in Edinburgh. Once complete, these projects will improve the living, working and training environment for our soldiers based at these sites and we’re excited to get started.

Chris MacLeod, Regional Director, GRAHAM Building said:

As a proud and experienced partner of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, we are honoured to anticipate the commencement of the Edinburgh Garrison redevelopment and modernisation. This timely project, announced within the month of Remembrance, pays tribute to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces, transforming a storied military site into a modern legacy that honours their service while fostering resilience for generations to come.

Following ongoing design and development work, construction is scheduled to start in early 2027.

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Published 24 November 2025