Council chiefs have warned that axing the historic Fort George barracks would lead to the loss of 700 jobs and cost the Highland economy £16million.
Local authority leaders branded the impact of the proposal “extremely worrying” last night as they vowed to keep battling to save the base.
And the head of the Highland Military Tattoo – which is staged at Fort George from tonight – urged local residents to show their support for the garrison’s future by attending the event.
About 2,000 people are expected to flock to the base this evening for a spectacular show of traditional music and military heritage.
The local authority’s assessment of the impact of losing the 250-year-old fort was brought home yesterday at a full council debate.
North politicians are adamant that the base remains an active military barracks – which has traditionally and uniquely been open to the public.
More than 5,000 people have backed the Press and Journal’s Fight for Fort George campaign, and a decision on its future is due imminently.
Council officials have concluded that, as well as the job losses and blow to the economy, there could be “a wider impact on local school rolls and community involvement” were Fort George to be scrapped.
Senior council representatives including leader, Margaret Davidson, will discuss the concerns face-to-face with Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Under Secretary of State Lord Dunlop in the coming month.
Mrs Davidson said: “The uncertainty is extremely worrying.
“This could be a double blow to the whole region if the barracks in Moray were also affected by the UK Government’s review.
“I thank the P&J for the vigorous, high profile campaign they’ve been running to raise the profile of this.”
A significant proportion of the roll at Raigmore Primary School is derived from the families of service personnel in the area.
The fort is currently home to the Black Watch 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Most of the 560 Army personnel in the Highlands are based at Fort George.
Local councillor Roddy Balfour, a former Army officer, warned that closure would have “severe social and economic implications” for the surrounding area, including Ardersier.
Meanwhile, the final preparations were being made yesterday for the staging of the Highland Military Tattoo at the base.
This year’s show is based around a naval theme and will include reenactments of key World War I battles which are marking their centenary this year.
These will include memorials to the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland.
For the first time at the Tattoo, the performances will be augmented with projections displayed on the walls of the fort.
Tattoo director Major General Seymour Monro has previously said it would be “very sad” if Fort George was closed.
He added: “We know that all the military barracks throughout the UK are being looked at.
“I haven’t any idea what the future holds for Fort George but I’m confident that we can hold a tattoo here, really whatever the alternatives.
“One way of demonstrating support the continual army presence at Fort George is to come to the Tattoo.
“And it really is going to be a great show. I think it’s going to be even better than last year.”
The performers went through their paces in pouring rain yesterday as they held their final preparations – but the organisers are hopeful of better weather for their first show tonight and through the weekend.
Maj Gen Monro said: “It’s a year’s worth of planning all coming together.
“It is a great ask of our producer and his assistants to bring together this disparate group of acts for really a very brief rehearsals and they deliver such a really great show.
“It’s absolutely fantastic.”
A number of military pipe bands will be performing, as well as local bands from across the north of Scotland and special guests the Royal Band of the Belgian Navy.
Performing at the Tattoo for the first time will be the military wives choirs from Inverness and Lossiemouth.
Evening performances will be held from this evening until Sunday, while a matinee will be presented tomorrow afternoon.
