The closure of bases such as Fort George has been branded “poor value for money” by independent experts.
A scathing National Audit Office review said there are “fundamental weaknesses” in the mothballing plans.
The Ministry of Defence announced last week that the 250-year-old base would close, putting a hundred jobs and £16million a year for the Highland economy at risk.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon previously told the Press and Journal that Fort George had been earmarked for closure by 2032 because the Highland rebellions were over.
Another seven bases will close elsewhere in Scotland as part of sweeping reforms to the UK’s defence estate in a bid to cut costs.
But the National Audit Office has suggested the closures may not represent value for money for the Ministry of Defence – and will still leave it with funds to make up.
The report states: “The constraints on funding for its estate are leading the department (Ministry of Defence) to make decisions that are poor value for money in the longer term.”
It warns that it will be “extremely challenging” to sell-off the total of 56 bases across the UK by 2040 – suggesting there could be “many complications” with executing the plans.
It adds: “The department has developed a strategy which identifies the estate it needs and the 25% of its estate it can dispose of by 2040 to reduce costs.
“However, the success of much of this strategy is uncertain. There is a risk that anticipated financial benefits will not be realised and that long delays and gaps in funding will emerge.”
Opposition politicians who campaigned against the closure have reacted angrily to the National Audit Office report, which was published yesterday.
Maree Todd, an SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “The ill-considered and damaging proposals to close military sites, including Fort George in my constituency, represent a devastating blow to communities across Scotland – and this report adds insult to injury.
“We now know that there is no guarantee the closure of our military sites will be value for money, and even after these closures there will still be a funding gap of at least £8.5 billion.”
A Ministry Of Defence spokesman said: “This is an important report and we are determined to deliver a better defence estate.
“That’s why we’ve outlined a long-term, military-led strategy, to invest £4 billion in training facilities fit for our strong and modern armed forces and better accommodation to deliver more stability for military families.”
