The British Army has inaugurated a new facility in Scotland to train soldiers for urban warfare.
Located at the Oliver Barracks in Dundee, the center is integrated with components emulating a realistic city environment to enhance the military’s infantry skills, particularly in close-quarter strategies, for domestic and overseas deployments.
The hub uses smoke, light, and noise equipment the Highland Reserve Force and Cadet Association (RFCA) procured to support a more immersive experience during drills.
The site was originally a Reserve Service compound that was approved for legal compliance and converted into a training space with the support of the Perth-based 7th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS).
The 7 SCOTS is a battalion operating under the 19th Light Brigade, which forms part of the service’s larger light and airborne warfighting unit, the 1st (United Kingdom) Division.
After the launch, the new urban warfare training center was tested by the 7 SCOTS reservists, with drills including the application of simulated ammunition or simunition.

“The opportunity for our Reservists to train locally in high quality training facilities is hugely important,” 19th Light Brigade Commander Brig. Lisa Brooks stated.
“I am very grateful to Highland RFCA for their generosity to enable 7 SCOTS to further develop this inspiring urban operations training facility which other local units and civilian agencies organisations will benefit from in the future.”
Improving Army Reserve Operability
The opening of the Dundee military training facility came after the 7 SCOTS’ participation in the British Army’s largest reserve exercise since the Cold War in Germany.
This year, the battalion will focus on updated lessons addressing the “progressively demanding battlefield,” including observations from Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
In addition, the 7 SCOTS will practice across the “most demanding terrain” in the UK, located in Otterburn, which will also deliver junior leadership training and basic introduction qualification into infantry heavy fire support weapons systems.
“Reservists bring specialist civilian capabilities that are essential both on and off the battlefield, while gaining transferable qualifications by training with the Army,” 7 SCOTS Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Robertson said.
“The roles and tasks demanded of the Army Reserve continue to evolve, with more opportunities to enjoy the challenges that come with being a Reservist both in the UK and worldwide.”