Over 400 soldiers returning to Scotland from a seven month tour of duty in Afghanistan will be greeted by newly refurbished Inverness barracks.
The MoD has modernised the troops of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s rooms at Fort George.
Four hundred and thirty soldiers will fly into Edinburgh Airport on Saturday after playing an integral part of Operation Panther's Claw. The operation took place throughout the summer, to prepare the country for the elections and to clear previously uncharted parts of the country of the Taliban.
The men also carried out 21 separate operations whch smashed Taliban strongholds and weapons factories, and confiscated drugs, weapons and bomb making equipment.
While they were away, new furniture, carpets and curtains have been added to their rooms as part of the 20 week renovation project.
Similar work is taking place in phases for the Royal Marines of 45 Commando at RM Condor in Arbroath and air personnel at RAF Lossiemouth, bringing the total amount spent this year in Scotland to over £2million.
John Rennie of the Defence Estates projects team in Scotland said: "It's a privilege to be able to make a difference to our frontline soldiers and provide them with better living accommodation.
“Everyone worked really hard at Fort George to deliver much brighter, smarter, modern rooms for the lads and we hope they're pleased with the results.
"Fort George is an historic listed monument owned by Historic Scotland with considerable building restrictions and challenges, so it's not possible to extensively redesign the accommodation. But we were determined to do the most we can to make significant improvements.”
Last updated: 06 November 2009, 12:31
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