Garelochhead transformation underway

Land February 7, 2017

February 2017 saw work start at the Garelochhead ranges in Scotland, with the DIO, Landmarc Support Services, Mackenzie Construction and consulting engineers D J Goode and Associates marking the occasion with an informal turf cutting ceremony.

Brand new training facilities are being developed at a cost of some £3M, which will see the existing ranges transformed with a new 100m grouping and zeroing (G&Z) range and a 600m Electronic Target Range (ETR) developed. A single range building complex with classrooms, a targetry store and workshops, to serve the two ranges will also be constructed.

Lt Col Mike Onslow, regional commander for DIO SD (Service Delivery) Training in Scotland said: “DIO is committed to improving the facilities and services that it provide to its armed forces and this project is a great example of how we are doing this.

“DIO’s role is to maximise the potential of the Defence estate to support the Armed Forces. The investment in this site demonstrates our commitment to meeting the ever changing needs of the military.

“The new ranges at Garelochhead will bring enhanced training facilities, opportunities and cost savings for our Armed Forces as well as the MOD Police.

“This is a really exciting project because once completed Garelochhead will be the only area in the west of Scotland to have a 600m ETR range using SARTS and a 100m G&Z range with a pneumatic targetry swivel system. Units using both ranges will be able to practice Close Quarter Marksmanship (CQM) training.

“It’s exciting to see the project starting to take shape.”

Claire Travis, project manager for Landmarc Support Services, commented: “Work is progressing well. The existing grenade range has now been demolished and the earthworks are in full force to prepare the ground for construction, which is due to begin in the next few weeks. All the waste material from the demolition and the earthworks is being re-used to install a noise reduction bund to minimise the impact of noise pollution on the local community. Other sustainable initiatives include biodigestion, rainwater harvesting and a ground source heat pump, which will start to be installed in early April.”

When completed, in February next year, the ranges will predominantly cater for the Royal Navy’s submarine division, which is being relocated from its current site in Plymouth, as well as army personnel, army reservists and nuclear police.