Craigiehall Barracks is situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, near the sought-after neighbourhoods of Cammo, Cramond, and Dalmeny. The site was put up for sale by Montagu Evans for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and several offers were made by the closing date. The property is home to notable historical buildings, such as the Category A listed Craigiehall House, its Walled Garden and Stable Block, as well as the Category B listed former Anti-Aircraft Operations Room.
Ben Brough from Savills’ Development Team in Scotland expressed excitement that their joint bid with Miller Developments and William Pears Group was successful in acquiring the property. According to Brough, the site’s historic significance and beautiful location near the River Almond are what make it particularly exceptional.
Located conveniently close to Edinburgh’s city centre, the airport, and transport networks like Scotland’s railway and motorway systems, including the new Queensferry Crossing over the Firth of Forth, the area is popular among residents wishing for easy access to these amenities.
The William Pears Group, specializing in financing and real estate, is known for their strategic and value-adding long-term investments. Their successful bid resulted in acquiring the existing 78 homes at Craigiehall.
Miller Developments, a leading UK company in land and property development with more than half a century of experience, prides itself on its strong presence in Edinburgh. Managing Director David Milloy is excited about securing the barracks site, seeing it as a rare and high-quality opportunity for future development.
Montagu Evans provided consultancy to the DIO for the disposal as part of its role as the Strategic Property Adviser for the defence body. They also have a standing appointment under the DIO’s Estate Management Professional Services contract within the Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement.
Montagu Evans partner Adrian Owen emphasized that the sale was part of a broader strategy to optimize surplus defence estate assets, thus creating value for the taxpayers and focusing on social value. Owen was satisfied with the sale’s outcome, which opened the door to new development opportunities after a competitive bidding process.
