Highland Council’s leader has written to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Scottish Secretary David Mundell urging them to listen to the case for saving the historic Fort George barracks.
Margaret Davidson’s letters follow a plea last week from local MSP and Scottish Government minister Fergus Ewing, who also wrote to Mr Fallon.
Councillor Davidson will also convene a meeting on July 19 aimed at allowing all interested parties to support each other to present the best argument for retaining Fort George.
A plan will be drawn-up for dealing with the worst case scenario.
It emerged earlier this month that the future of the 250-year-old garrison was under threat.
Built after the Battle of Culloden, the base has been home to the Black Watch battalion, which is made up of more than 500 personnel, for nine years.
About 600 people have now signed a Press and Journal petition against its closure.
Ms Davidson said: “I wrote to them because I am becoming increasingly alarmed about the review that is underway of Ministry of Defence properties and because of Fort George, and the impact on the Highland economy and the injustice of it. If they want to meet I would certainly be obliged.
“The Highlands has always been a wonderful place for the MoD to recruit. We have always provided more than our share of men for the army’s forces for centuries.
“A lot of men have contributed with huge valour and bravery. And if we take out Fort George then what do we have left?”
The meeting later this month will involve councillors, politicians and representatives of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland and the local authority’s housing and education services.
Ms Davidson added: “We will also be getting a clear look, if the worst happened, at what we can do to prevent the impact on the Highland economy.
“I know we are all hoping to put that plan in the drawer but we have to be realistic.”
An MoD spokeswoman said: 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.”
