More than 1,000 people have given their backing to the Press and Journal’s campaign to save the historic Fort George barracks from closure.
The Fight for Fort George petition broke through its original target last night – just three weeks after being launched.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson hailed the backing as a “clear signal” to UK defence chiefs that the 250-year-old garrison will not be shut down without a battle.
Film star Hugh Grant has added his name to the list, as well as MPs Angus Robertson and Drew Hendry, MSPs including David Stewart and Kate Forbes, and numerous local councillors, business leaders and ex-servicemen and woman and their families.
The Press and Journal launched the campaign last month after revealing that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was reviewing the future of the base.
Fight For Fort George: Sign our petition
Mr Hendry, the Inverness MP, has also tabled a motion at Westminster calling for the retention of the barracks – gaining support from 28 MPs from across the country.
Last night, he said: “Obviously in the early days of the petition it is really good to see it’s growing in numbers and it is reflecting what I am hearing from people about the subject.
“People are greatly concerned and it’s clear that the MoD and the UK Government should be taking this ridiculous proposal off the table.”
Mrs Davidson, the local authority leader, has demanded talks with MoD ministers about the plans.
Last night, she welcomed the progress of the petition, saying: “It’s a clear signal that people are getting behind this campaign.
“I think you could probably times it by 100 and more for the number of people who will support it.
“There’s a very poor case for closing Fort George. There must be a better way to save money.”
Built after the Battle of Culloden, the base has been home to the famous Black Watch battalion for nine years, and attracts 55,000 visitors annually.
It is estimated that a pull-out by the Army could cost the Highland economy £14million a year and lead to the loss of more than 100 jobs, as well as threatening the future of the recently revamped The Highlanders Museum, which is based at Fort George.
The MoD is aiming to reduce its overall estate by 30% and save £1billion, with a full list of affected sites in the “Footprint Strategy” due to be revealed this autumn.
A spokeswoman for the department has said that “no final decision” has been taken about Fort George.
Inverness South councillor Carolyn Caddick signed the petition yesterday.
She said: “I was delighted to sign it. The fort and the military community that live in and around it have been an integral part of the community in the Highlands for hundreds of years and we must do all we can not to lose it.”
Fellow city councillor Thomas Prag also added his name to the list, saying: “It’s a unique building and a terrific asset to the area.”
