Keith Brown has urged the UK Government to commit to keeping military bases in Scotland amid swingeing cuts to the defence estate.
Fort George was a high-profile casualty of the cull of Scottish bases recently announced by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
Now, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Mr Brown has written to Sir Michael’s deputy – Mark Lancaster – demanding Scottish bases are spared in future reviews.
The SNP minister has warned that Kinloss Barracks – which local MP Angus Robertson had claimed was under threat during the most recent review – could be for the chop next time round.
Mr Brown said: “I met representatives of all affected local authorities (on Tuesday) and they share my concern about the decisions.
“If implemented, these cuts would result in near total removal of the Army from large parts of Scotland, signal the end of the Royal Navy’s presence in Fife and put over half of the Royal Regiment of Scotland on the move again.
“In many areas, there is strong community opposition to these decisions
“There is also concern about the long term commitment of the Ministry of Defence to other sites not earmarked for closure in this round, such as Kinloss Barracks and RM Condor.
“I urge you to make firm commitments to sustain or increase personnel numbers at those sites and confirm unit moves to increase numbers at Leuchars Station and Dreghorn Barracks.”
Sir Michael announced at the beginning of November that Fort George would be among eight bases in Scotland to close.
The 250-year-old stronghold is due to close in 2032, despite strong local and national opposition.
Mr Brown added: “There is still no information on what closures mean for personnel and families.
“I am concerned that no economic impact assessments were prepared and that the commitment to increase regular personnel numbers in Scotland to 12,500 by 2020 was not factored into the plan before decisions were taken to close sites.”
Communication with local authorities about the closures had been “patchy and inconsistent”, the SNP minister said.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We are clearly committed to an enduring presence in Scotland and are consolidating Scottish defence estate into the primary hubs of the Army’s Leuchars Station in Fife, RAF Lossiemouth and, of course, HM Naval Base Clyde, where we are investing more than £500million and housing all of the Royal Navy’s submarines.”
