Dechmont Range and Fieldcraft Training Area (FTA) are operated and managed by Lowland RFCA on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Video shows Dechmont Range and Fieldcraft Training Area (FTA) in use by the Army Cadet Force.
Eight miles south east of Glasgow city centre, Dechmont comprises 627 acres of which 214 acres are routinely available for low level training, including a 25m Barrack Range, while two thirds (including a working farm) are let to a farmer.
Dechmont Training Area Users
Dechmont and its ranges can be booked for training by:
Regular units/organisations
Reserve units/organisations
Cadet units/organisations – SCC, ACF, ATC & CCF
Booking requests will also be considered from:
Other Government Departments e.g. Police and other emergency services
Other users through the Alternative Venues initiative e.g. Civilian Rifle Clubs and other organisations
Facilities
6 Lane 25m NDA Barrack Range
Clay Target Shooting Ground (CTSG) and includes Archery shooting
Fieldcraft Training Areas A, B, C, D, E and F, all suitable for low-level Fieldcraft and Navigation Lessons
Area A – Currently leased and in use by local farmers
Area B – Currently leased and in use by local farmers
Area C – Expanse of low-lying grass land, suitable for all Types of Fieldcraft
Area D – Live Firing and DTA area D Incorporates the Clay Target Shooting Ground (CTSG) and includes Archery shooting. Area D can be used for Fieldcraft when Live firing or Archery is not taking place.
Area E – Incorporates the high ground of Dechmont hill (183m), excellent ground for Map work, OP’s or unit TEWT’s
Area F – Live Firing 6 Lane 25M NDA Barrack Range with surrounding grassland and wooded areas suitable for Fieldcraft and concurrent activity while the range is in use
Range Control Compound – Offers Users the following facilities:
Classroom
Toilet facilities
Hard standing for parking
There is no overnight accommodation at Dechmont FTA. However camping overnight at Dechmont FTA is allowed, please speak with the Range Manager.
To find out more about the range, feel free to browse the documents on the right-side of this page.
Public Access
All areas are used by the public under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) for walking, cycling and horse riding. Grazing rights have been granted to local farmers, these considerations are key to successful planning. Current Information on how this may affect training plans can be discussed with the Range Manager.
Directions
Address:
Dechmont Rifle Range House,
Range Control (RC)
Gilbertfield Road
Cambuslang
G72 8YP
DO NOT USE POSTCODE TO FIND
USE:
WHAT3WORDS – SPINS.LAUNCH.LIONS
GOOGLE MAPS SEARCH – DECHMONT RIFLE RANGE HOUSE
MAP REFERENCE
OS LAND RANGER SERIES 1:50,000
MAP SHEET 64 GRID: NS 65275 58568
History
Dechmont was developed in the late 19th century as a range complex to service the burgeoning Rifle Volunteer Corps which had been established across the UK in the 1860s. By 1939, there were four 400 to 600-yard gallery ranges, two additional ranges and a Territorial Army (TA) camp, all catering for Glasgow’s many TA units. Firing was from the northern area into stop butts situated at the foot of Dechmont Hill, which rises from 100m to 180m, while what is now given over to farmland on the southern side of Dechmont Hill, constituted the Range Danger Area.
