THE first new buildings at an armed forces training camp in Garelochhead have been delivered to the site.

The buildings - used by armed forces personnel while they're training for operations worldwide - were made in East Yorkshire for the Ministry of Defence before being moved north to the Greenfield training camp.

A total of 51 units are being installed in three two-storey blocks with 315 bed spaces.

 

They're replacing older huts which were built in 1944 to house troops prior to deployment in the Second World War - and which have been used as training accommodation ever since.

The fourth and final block will be finished in early 2024 under the MoD's Net Zero Carbon Accommodation Programme, known as NetCAP.

Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, regional head of overseas and training with the MoD's Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which is delivering the programme alongside industry partner Landmarc Support Services, said: “We are delighted to see the installation of these modern accommodation blocks in Greenfield Camp in Garelochhead.

"It demonstrates the MoD’s commitment to delivering high-quality accommodation for our serving personnel, which helps them to give their best during their training exercises.

“These blocks, and the wider NetCAP programme are also a testament to the MoD’s commitment to sustainability.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: Peter Gentles, DIO Senior Estate Facilities Manager, Ronnie Shields, Landmarc Senior Project Manager, Tom Hook, Reds10 Associate Director & Defence PM Lead and Lt Col Robert Lockhart of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion Army Cadet Force showcase one of the new buildingsPeter Gentles, DIO Senior Estate Facilities Manager, Ronnie Shields, Landmarc Senior Project Manager, Tom Hook, Reds10 Associate Director & Defence PM Lead and Lt Col Robert Lockhart of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion Army Cadet Force showcase one of the new buildings (Image: MOD)

The NetCAP buildings are rated 'high' for standards and can be subdivided as necessary, said the MoD.

They include showers, ablutions and drying rooms in one complex, rather than requiring troops to move between buildings.

They also have solar panels on the roof, air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and a heat recovery system in the showers and drying rooms.

It means the facilities will be able to generate power for the site and reduce costs.

The MoD says NetCAP structures also optimise energy use and will have reduced maintenance costs.

Planning permission for the project was granted by Argyll and Bute Council in January.

Phil Cook, director and defence sector lead of Reds10, who made the units in England, said: “We are delighted to be bringing NetCAP to Scotland, alongside DIO and Landmarc.

"In just 18 weeks on site, the combined team has delivered three double-storey buildings with a fourth completing soon after.

"The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) has meant that units arrive on site up to 90 per cent complete, minimising disruption to a key site on the defence training estate.”