Gordon Barracks

Barracks in Aberdeen, Scotland

57°10′50″N 2°5′20″W / 57.18056°N 2.08889°W / 57.18056; -2.08889TypeBarracksSite informationOwnerMinistry of DefenceOperator British ArmySite historyBuilt1933–1935Built forWar OfficeIn use1935 – presentGarrison informationOccupantsTerritorial Army signals and medical units

Gordon Barracks is a military installation situated in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.

History

The barrack buildings, which were built by J and W Wittet between 1933 and 1935, are located around the barrack square.[1]

Constructed of dressed granite blocks, the two-storey central block, once used as the Junior Ranks Club, is typical of the style with three bays and being rectangular in shape. The roof is crowstepped and slated. It has very grand Royal coated arms tripartite above with pediment detail. Other listed buildings include: the Medical Reception Centre, three barracks blocks, the Guard Room, Gate Piers and Gates, Married Quarters, the Officers Mess and the Gymnasium.[2] The barracks became the depot of the Gordon Highlanders, who had relocated from Castlehill Barracks, as soon as they opened in 1935.[3]

The barracks became the regional centre for infantry training as the Highland Brigade Depot in 1960.[4] In 1970, following the formation of the Scottish Division, adult Highland Brigade recruits removed to The Scottish Division Depot at Glencorse Barracks, Penicuik. Junior soldiers from the Lowland Brigade moved from Glencorse to Gordon Barracks on the same day. The barracks closed to Junior Soldier training in 1986.[1]

Gordon Barracks are now used by a variety of organisations, including Territorial Army (TA) signals and medical units.[5]

Based units

The following units are based at Gordon Barracks.[6]

British Army

Her Majesty's Naval Service

  • Aberdeen Detachment, Royal Marines Reserve Scotland

References

  1. ^ a b "Drill Hall Summary". Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  2. ^ "British Listed Buildings". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  3. ^ "The Gordon Barracks in Aberdeen" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  4. ^ "Infantry Brigade Depots (Location)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 7 March 1958. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  5. ^ "MOD Army". Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  6. ^ "Army Reserve units in Scotland - British Army". Army – Be The Best. Retrieved 29 July 2018.