The loss of the 250-year-old Fort George barracks was condemned as a shattering blow to a fragile local economy last night.
The closure of the historic garrison is expected to cost the Highlands about 100 jobs and £16million-a-year.
But there was some relief that there was at least a 15-year period of grace to find something else to do with the historic property.
About 6,000 people joined the Press and Journal’s Fight for Fort George campaign, with the petition handed in to 10 Downing Street in the summer.
Talks have already begun between council and government representatives to create a new purpose for the fort beyond that of its highly respected military museum.
Paul Wilson, Inverness chairman of the Royal British Legion Scotland considers it “scandalous” that the Highlands will be left with no military base.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol considers the shutdown a “blow to the local economic environment” that will damage the wider supply chain.
Legion president, Lt Gen Sir Alistair Irwin, a former Black Watch colonel once stationed at Fort George, is adamant, however, that the right decision was taken.
“It makes absolute sense from a military point of view. It would have happened ages ago if there had been anywhere to go,” he said.
“For a modern infantry battalion of the 21st century, it has all sorts of disadvantages professionally. It’s miles from useful facilities and its own domestic facilities are much less than they should be.”
Culloden and Ardersier councillor Roddy Balfour, a member of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association, said: “It gives us breathing space. I don’t mean to demean what’s being done but by the time those years pass we’ll be living in a different world.”
Conservative Highland MSP Ed Mountain, a former Army major, insisted it was not as bad as losing a regiment.
“The closure is a sad but inevitable result of defence cuts,” he said, “but it will ensure that the soldiers that serve us and the families that support them have the facilities that they rightfully expect and deserve.”
City Liberal Democrat councillor Thomas Prag sees “positive potential” for the garrison.
He said: “It’s a shame to lose the military presence but it’s a great opportunity to open up Fort George for other uses. It’s a world class facility that we should exploit.
“It could be used for accommodation, a youth adventure base, it could have all kinds of uses. It’s a hidden gem.”
