Ministry of Defence
The project, which is costing more than 3 million is in partnership with Landmarc Support Services, Mackenzie Construction and consulting engineers D J Goode and Associates. It will see the existing Garelochhead ranges transformed in to two new developments: a 100 metre grouping and zeroing (G&Z) range and a 600 metre Electronic Target Range (ETR). There will also be a single range building complex with classrooms, a targetry store and workshops, which will serve the two ranges.
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.
Its exciting to see the project starting to take shape. This investment into new ranges will bring enhanced training facilities and opportunities to Garelochhead, as well as cost savings for our armed forces and the MOD police.
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.
The project is expected to be completed by February 2017.