The present barracks complex was largely built in 1937–1939 to designs by William Alexander Ross.[1][2] The barracks were upgraded in 1989–1992, with the addition of several new buildings. The four original buildings are protected as a category C(s) listed building.[2]
The barracks were built in the grounds of Dreghorn Castle, a 17th-century mansion built by Sir William Murray, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland.[3] The castle was extended around 1805 by Archibald and James Elliot.[4] The castle was acquired by the War Office in 1893, and was eventually demolished in 1955.[4]
A monument outside the barracks on Redford Road commemorates the insurgent covenanters of the Pentland Rising who were defeated at the Battle of Rullion Green in 1666. The monument was erected in 1884 by R A Macfie of Dreghorn House, and incorporates columns taken from the 18th-century Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, designed by William Adam and demolished the previous year.[5]
Covenanters' Monument beside Dreghorn Barracks to those who perished in and after the Pentland Rising
As part of the Future Force 2020 budgetary announcement in July 2011, RAF Kirknewton was to have been developed into a major Army base to host a Multi-Role Brigade[6] and Dreghorn Barracks was earmarked for disposal.[7] However plans to develop Kirknewton as an Army barracks were scrapped in March 2013 and Dreghorn Barracks will now be retained.[8]
Dreghorn is one of the three barracks comprising the City of Edinburgh Garrison.
British Army