Hollywood actor Hugh Grant has revealed he is “horrified” by plans to shut down the historic Highland military base where his grandfather served as commander.
The star of Four Weddings and a Funeral warned it would be a “bleak day” for the Highlands if the Army pulls out of Fort George for the first time in 250 years.
Mr Grant’s grandfather, Colonel James Murray Grant, was from Inverness and was depot commander at Fort George after World War II, while his father Captain James Murray Grant was also a Seaforth Highlander.
The Press and Journal revealed last week that the barracks, near Inverness, was facing a fresh threat of closure by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
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Fears have been raised that any withdrawal from the site by the Army could threaten the future of The Highlanders Museum, which is also based at Fort George.
Mr Grant launched a public appeal to help raise £3million to redevelop the museum in 2011, with the work completed two years later.
In a statement issued to the Press and Journal last night, the actor said: “I’m horrified to hear that there may be plans to close Fort George.
“My grandfather was commander there after the war, and I’ve been a keen supporter of the museum, which has only just been renovated.
“It would be a bleak day for the Highlands if this rumour about closure turned out to be true.”
Built after the Battle of Culloden, the garrison has been the home of the famous 500-strong Black Watch battalion for almost a decade.
The base attracts 55,000 visitors each year, and studies carried out into its economic impact have revealed that its closure could cost the Highlands £14million a year and lead to the loss of 112 jobs.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown recently learned about the closure plans and has written to UK defence secretary Michael Fallon to say he is “disappointed” by the move – and that it would have “huge significance” for Scotland.
Fort George was previously considered for closure in a 2011 review but was spared the axe.
Inverness MP Drew Hendry has demanded talks with UK Government ministers over the future of the base.
Last night, he welcomed the backing of Mr Grant.
“I welcomed the intervention of Hugh Grant. He has been a long-time supporter of Fort George and its history,” he said.
“I think we all agree that for Fort George to be on any list facing closure would be a disgraceful act by the Ministry of Defence and the UK Government.”
The Press and Journal has launched a campaign and online petition to save the barracks, winning the backing of Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie and SNP Westminster leader
Angus Robertson.
The MoD is reviewing its estate as it attempts to save £1billion by cutting the size of its footprint by 30%.
It is expected to reveal its full plans this autumn.
A MoD spokeswoman said last week: “As part of an ongoing review, we are aiming to create a smaller and better defence estate that effectively supports our Armed Forces in the important role they play.
“The MoD is considering how it might achieve this and no final decision about the future of Fort George has been made at this time.”
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