Redford Barracks Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks is located on Colinton Road , near the Edinburgh City Bypass , east of the suburb of Colinton in Edinburgh , Scotland . Redford Barracks was built between 1909 and 1915 by the War Office and designed by Harry Bell Measures . When completed , the Barracks was the largest military installation built in Scotland since Fort George in the Highlands . The British Army garrison in Edinburgh Castle formally moved out to the barracks in 1923 . Today , the Infantry Barracks are the location of a resident line infantry battalion , 3rd Battalion , The Rifles , and the Cavalry Barracks houses a number of administrative functions . The barracks comprises two category B listed main buildings and parade squares facing Colinton Road . Infantry Barracks . The Infantry Barracks ( ) , was originally built to house an entire infantry regiment and could accommodate 1 , 000 men . Today it provides everything the resident line infantry battalion requires to function . The families live in service quarters close to the barracks and the children attend local schools . The main barrack block itself houses the resident Battalion Headquarters , one Rifle Company , a Fire Support Company and Headquarters Company . The two other Rifle Companies are accommodated in a separate , newer block . Redford provides the base for the guard of Edinburgh Castle . The resident Infantry Battalion has been the 3rd Battalion , The Rifles ( formerly 2nd Battalion , The Light Infantry ) since 2003 , when they took over from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders . Cavalry Barracks . The three - storey Cavalry Barracks ( ) , with its tall domed clock - tower , was originally built to house a cavalry regiment , most notably the Royal Scots Greys , with a large annexe of stable s and associated outbuildings . With the permanent stationing of armoured units like the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine , the Cavalry Barracks was no longer required for its original purpose . Today it is 51st ( Scottish ) Brigade ' s Regional Training Centre , base for all Territorial Army training in Scotland , as well as housing other administrative functions . The Cavalry Barracks has also recently become base to the Headquarters of 52 Brigade , which largely moved from Edinburgh Castle , with the exception of a few remaining ceremonial functions . The Cavalry Barracks houses the performers of the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo , with the parade square used for rehearsals . An urban myth is that the barracks ' design was originally intended for use in India due to its distinctive Indo - Saracenic architectural features , as well the high ceilings , doorways and airy rooms throughout the main blocks . Nearby locations . The Royal Scots Borderers , 1st Battalion , Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are located at the nearby Dreghorn Barracks , which was originally requisitioned by the Army in 1914 . Together with the Royal Highland Fusiliers , 2nd Battalion , The Royal Regiment of Scotland , based at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik , the three sites comprise the City of Edinburgh Garrison . Drill hall s used by 105th Regiment Royal Artillery ( Volunteers ) and the City of Edinburgh UOTC are located adjacent to the barracks and the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming is situated nearby at Inchdrewer House . The barracks also makes use of the Castlelaw Training Area and Rifle Range in the Pentland Hills . Situated beside both Redford Barracks and Dreghorn Barracks are the family quarters for army personnel . These houses are available only to married soldiers . The houses are rented by the soldiers for a subsidised fee . The future . Moving towards Future Force 2020 , and returning the 20 , 000 personnel stationed in Germany , means the Armed Forces ' estate requirements will change , and the Ministry of Defence reviewed its future basing needs accordingly . It was proposed that by 2020 , the Army would be made up of five Multi - Role Brigades ( MRB ) of around 6 , 000 people , with one located in Scotland , centred on Edinburgh . In 2011 it was announced that the base at Kirknewton , south - west of Edinburgh , would be developed into a major Army base , with the first units scheduled to move there in 2016 - 17 . Redford and Dreghorn Barracks would become surplus to requirements and were earmarked for disposal under this plan . However , in December 2011 it was reported that the planned move to Kirknewton was in doubt , and that Redford Barracks would be retained . By 2013 it was confirmed that the MRB plan had been dropped , and that only a part of Redford Barracks would be closed .