When completed, the barracks was the largest military installation built in Scotland since Fort George in the Highlands.

The barracks comprises two category B listed main buildings and parade squares facing Colinton Road.

With the permanent stationing of armoured units such as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine, the Cavalry Barracks became a home to D Squadron, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards stationed there from 1971 until disbanded in 1976.

[5] The cavalry barracks have been the home for Balaclava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) since 2014.

[10][11][12] British Army[13] Community Cadet Forces 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;[15] Redford and Dreghorn Barracks would become surplus to requirements and were earmarked for disposal under this plan.