An army training area which straddles the border between Midlothian and the City of Edinburgh Council Areas in the NE Pentland Hills, Castlelaw Training Area comprises moorland and small patches of plantation forest and extends as a 2-mile (3-km) strip of land from the A720 Edinburgh Bypass in the north to Flotterstone in the south, including the Bonaly Reservoir and Allermuir, Capelaw and Castlelaw Hills. On the southern slopes of the latter summit are a collection of small-arms firing ranges.
The complex is on the site of older wartime ranges, which were the main training area for the Royal Scots based at Glencorse Barracks by Penicuik. At that time firing of heavy weapons was permitted in the vicinity of the current ranges, while small arms training took place to the north of the area, near Dreghorn, using ranges which were closed in 1985. Troops using the training area are accommodated at Redford Barracks in SW Edinburgh.
Public access is permitted when firing is not taking place.
