As you were: Castle's army can expect no more marching orders for decade

BRITISH Army personnel will continue to be stationed at Edinburgh Castle for at least another ten years, scotching rumours the landmark would become nothing more than a tourist attraction.

Historic Scotland, the government agency ultimately responsible for the castle, announced it will be working with the army on a new ten-year plan for the joint occupation of the landmark.

The move of the 52nd Infantry Brigade headquarters from the castle to Redwood Barracks in 2008 sparked rumours that the army was about to vacate the castle completely. However, Historic Scotland said the presence of between 40 and 50 army staff, including about ten live-in staff, is a major part of the castle's attraction to tourists.

As a result, the two bodies and the Scottish National War Memorial and Scottish National War Museum, both of which are based in the castle, will create a new joint strategy aimed at ensuring the "best use" of the castle.

Peter Bromley, Historic Scotland's director of properties in care, said: "This announcement reinforces the commitment between Historic Scotland and the army. We work alongside the army in the day-to-day running and overall operation of Edinburgh Castle, it is a successful relationship and we wish to see it continue. The presence of the army is an integral part of understanding Edinburgh Castle's military and defence in a historical sense, and is a key part of the Edinburgh Castle story that millions of visitors have experienced."