One of several events to be held outside the main competition venues in Glasgow events will be held in the 2,600 acre campus close to the Carnoustie Golf Course on the Angus coast between Dundee and Arbroath.

The location is primarily used as a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Training Centre and hosted full bore rifle shooting at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

It will stage pistol and clay pigeon events in addition to small and full bore rifle ones this time around. 

There had been controversy over the use of venue for environmental reasons due to the fact that the surrounding countryside is an European Union Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds under the European Birds Directive.

However, after planning application was approved by Angus Council earlier this year, construction work is now ready to begin - with Glasgow 2014 working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to hone preparations. 

Carnoustie is best known for its Golf Course - which hosted the Open Championships in 2007 ©Getty Images



The ranges will remain fully operational to military users until much closer to the Games and "how the site is to be used before, during and after the games period, will take into account the MOD's operational requirements and the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status," it was explained. 

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, described how organisers are "pleased to have concluded negotiations for the use of Barry Buddon and are grateful to the MOD for their support of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."

"Barry Buddon will be a world-class venue for the shooting competition at the Games and represents an opportunity for those outside of Glasgow to be part of the celebrations," he added. 

Councillor Jeanette Gaul, chairman of the Angus Steering Group for the Glasgow 2014, expressed similar sentiments when describing how it is "great to see the construction get underway."

"Angus is looking forward to being a host venue and we have been working hard with Glasgow 2014, Dundee City Council, the MOD and other partner agencies to make sure all visitors have an enjoyable stay and that athletes can enjoy the top-class facilities at Barry Buddon," she added.

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