The healthy economy of a Highland village could be destroyed if defence chiefs axe Fort George as part of cost-cutting, according to local traders.
Even on a wet Wednesday, Ardersier’s cafe, shops and bars were yesterday packed with customers, a mix of residents and holidaymakers.
Doubts over the future of the nearby military base have, however, sent shivers throughout the community.
Sheena Fleming, who owns the Gun Lodge Hotel, warned that closure would be significant.
“There are all walks of life, all industries involved in the fort,” she said. “We also have great ties to the fort because this was the home for the officers at one point before it became a hotel.
“Feeling is pretty strong because not only do we have the soldiers there but the tourism aspect is massive.”
Zoe Ogilvie at the busy Hair Envy salon said: “We’re on the up. In the past two years, businesses have been popping up in Ardersier. The village is getting a breath of fresh life. If the fort was to close the economic impact would be massive.
“The soldiers bring a lot of money into the village. Without that, shops would not survive.”
Paul Weller, who lets holiday apartments at The Old Ship Inn, said: “We make sure our guests see the fort and they come back amazed at what they’ve seen.”
Pharmacist Jennifer Cleland, whose husband Robert was once stationed at Fort George, said: “The place is important to the community and an important part of our history.”
George Inn proprietor Louise MacDonald said: “Tens of thousands of tourists visit the fort each year, the only place they go is Fort George.”
Ardersier and Petty Community Council chairwoman Trish Robertson said: “The village has been associated with the fort probably since the village started. We depend on it really here, for the employment and the passing trade not just from the soldiers but those who visit the fort.”
The Ministry of Defence is “examining its future use, as we are for most major defence sites.”
An announcement is expected in the next few months.
As of last night, almost 1,800 people had backed the online petition while 1,000-plus others have signed the cut-out version. The online petition is at www.ipetitions.com/petition/fight-for-fort-george.
