'End Of An Era For Craigiehall': Former Army Headquarters In Scotland Closes

The site that once served as the headquarters of the Army in Scotland formally closed on Wednesday.

Craigiehall Camp, located just outside Edinburgh, housed the Command Headquarters from 1955 until 2014.  

It was requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1939 and housed various regiments during the Second World War.

It’s where the surrender of German forces in Norway was negotiated and signed in 1945.

The site was later brought by the Ministry of Defence in 1951 and established it as the Headquarters for the Army in Scotland.

Colonel Sandy Fitzpatrick, Deputy Commander for 51st Brigade, told Forces News the site had been the "hub for the Army in Scotland and for the Armed Forces".

"Craigiehall was always a very pleasant place to come and there have been many people grateful for the service it's given."

Col Fitzpatrick added the site had been "a big influence on the Army".

The new barracks opened in 1955 after significant development, which included permanent buildings replacing WWII structures.

Throughout the years Craigiehall has been home to The Black Watch and became the headquarters of the 2nd Infantry Division in 2000 following the restructuring of the Army.

However, by 2011 the MOD announced plans to close the base as part of the Defence Basing Review.

Army Headquarters in Scotland merged with 51st Brigade at Forthside Barracks in Stirling.

While other units - including the Army bomb disposal, moved elsewhere as the camp prepared for its closure.

The remaining staff and personnel from the camp were joined by some of those who served there, to say a final goodbye to the site.

Major Warren Webster, Craigiehall Camp Commandant said:

"This is a very sad day for the Army in Scotland and for the staff at Craigiehall.

"There's a lot of fond memories here - the Army Headquarters were here and of course, a lot of operations have been based from here."

Now the site faces a future in civilian hands - bringing seven decades of service to the Armed Forces to a close.