The case for shutting down the historic Fort George barracks in the Highlands has been dealt a major blow after it emerged that it is cheapest Army site to run in Scotland.
Official figures show that the closure-threatened garrison, near Inverness, has the lowest maintenance bill of all of the country’s main infantry bases.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering ending the Army’s 250-year association with Fort George as it seeks to save money and reduce the military’s footprint across the country.
Statistics obtained by the Press and Journal show that in the three years between 2012/13 and 2014/15, a total of £896,140 was spent on maintaining Fort George – an average of £298,713 a year.
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But the annual bill at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh was more than double at £667,943, while the cost at Dreghorn Barracks, also in Edinburgh, was 84% higher than Fort George at £548,878.
Glencorse Barracks at Penicuik cost two-thirds more than Fort George to maintain at £490,427 a year, while Leuchars in Fife was also more expensive, at £530,590 in 2014/15.
More than 920 people have now signed the Press and Journal’s Fight for Fort George petition amid fears a decision over its future could be taken within weeks.
Built after the Battle of Culloden, the barracks has been home to the famous Black Watch battalion for nine years and also houses The Highlanders regimental museum.
Local councillor and ex-serviceman Roddy Balfour is a member of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association, as well as the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and Highland Military Tattoo Committee.
He said the disproportionate military contribution of the Highlands should be taken into account by the decision-makers.
“Militarily it is a great place. The range at Fort George is one of the best in the country,” he said.
“It’s really a well equipped base and I think economically it’s a great employer in Inverness particularly
“It would be a sad day for the Highlands if it closed.
“It has had an honourable history and a creditable history to the Highlands.
“The Highlands have given more than their fair share to the military down the years and maybe that should be recognised by the retention of Fort George.”
