At each entry point into the range, red flags were flying indicating that the public were not to enter due to the test firing, and could possibly be subject to prosecution if stopped.

The range was entered from the Kirkcudbright side, following a footpath. Once inside the range there was no evidence of activity despite the red flags flying. Either the testing had occurred earlier, or was planned for later, or the heavy downpour of rain stopped play.

The weapon inspection was observed by two 'patrol' vans which kept their distance and made no attempt to intervene.

For 90 minutes the range was explored. There was a bombed and burned out tank which was subject to a Sunday Herald article in 2004. Despite MOD promises to get rid of this tank because of radioactive readings, (which they blamed on a radium clock but others suggested DU shells), the tank is still there.

There are several man-made rectangular holes dug into the ground and covered by wooden boards. These were noted during two 2003 visits by weapon inspectors. The holes are used to store DU debris which is then measured to see how long it corrodes.

There were three new constructs, metal observation posts, with the slits facing west towards a field. This is unusual because the MOD claim that they fire DU southwards into the Solway Firth to test trajectory.

There was some debris lying around, possibly from broken up shells, but they
looked old. There were several MOD welcome signs, one stated: "AVOID PICKING UP ANY DEBRIS AS IT MAY EXPLODE AND KILL YOU."

Once the inspection ended, exit was made through the front door, along the road leading out and past the unmanned road posts. The red flags were still flying.

Despite the red flags everybody seemed to have disappeared. Unlike the 2003 visits which had been more eventful. However, after leaving the range, a car drove up and the driver tried to take photos of the weapon inspectors.

See also

• International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons

  Renewed Uranium Weapons Tests Questioned in UK Parliament

  In response to the MoD's decision to renew testing of CHARM3 ammunition at Scotland's Dundrennan firing range, Dai Davies MP has submitted two questions to the Defence Minister.

  13 March 2008 - ICBUW
• International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons

  MSPs and CADU Condemn Renewed Solway Firth Depleted Uranium Tests

  Scottish Nationalist and Green Members of the Scottish Parliament today echoed the concerns of the Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell by condemning the MoD’s decision to renew uranium weapon testing at its firing range near Dundrennan on the Solway Firth.
  
  

  11 March 2008 - ICBUW
• 

  International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons

  UK Resumes DU Testing at Dundrennan Firing Range, SW Scotland

  The UK Ministry of Defence has announced five days of test firing for its CHARM3 Challenger tank ammunition, beginning today.

  10 March 2008 - ICBUW