A newly-elected Conservative MSP and retired Army major has joined the battle to save the recently-revamped Highlanders Museum.
But Edward Mountain insisted that its traditional home of Fort George barracks was not irreplaceable.
There has been a huge public outcry over the uncertainty facing the 250-year-old garrison, with politicians and others taking up the fight to preserve the facility and its iconic and popular museum.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering shutting Fort George as part of a strategic shakeup, and it has triggered fears that the future of the regimental museum at the site could also be at risk.
The MoD reaffirmed yesterday (FRI) that no final decision had been made.
Local SNP MP Drew Hendry this week took the fight to Westminster, tabling a motion in the Commons urging the UK Government to ensure the barracks “continues to serve the Highlands and the country for many years to come.”.
The museum underwent a £2.9million refurbishment before being reopened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2013.
The largest regimental museum in Scotland outside of Edinburgh comprises thousands of artefacts and photographs, and draws visitors from around the world.
Mr Mountain, a major who served for 12 years with the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment, was elected a Highlands and Islands MSP in May.
He has accused other politicians of “jumping on a bandwagon” to save Fort George without appreciation of the full facts.
He said: “It’s important that every regiment has a link to its past. History has proved that people fight for their friends and colleagues and their friends are in the regiment they serve. Therefore, it’s vitally important to have regimental museums.
“What’s more important to me is that soldiers are properly trained and capable of doing the operations they’re asked to do.
“The decision on whether the barracks remain open or closed, to me, is whether they provide good training facilities for good soldiers who we may ask to put their lives on the line for us.
“If they can provide good training facilities then I’ll support those barracks remaining. Those that can’t I would not support.”
Major General Seymour Monro, chairman and director of the Highland Military Tattoo, holds the museum close to his heart.
He was its chairman for many years and responsible for the recent upgrade project that was launched by movie star Hugh Grant.
He said: “It’s pretty reasonable for the MoD to conduct a review of their bases and their real estate but I think it would be very sad if the conclusions led to the Army leaving Fort George after over 200 years of use by the military.
“It would also have an adverse effect on the local economy. One way of positively demonstrating your support is to come and watch the Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George.”
MoD-owned Fort George, which is occupied as a year-round Army barracks, attracts more than 55,000 visitors each year. It is operated on behalf of the Scottish Government as a visitor attraction.
