An SNP minister and former Royal Marine has declared war on the UK Government’s decision to close military bases across Scotland, including Fort George.
Keith Brown, the economy secretary, told MSPs the “eviction” of The Black Watch is “scandalous” as he attacked the wipe-out of the military from swathes of Scotland.
He said: “The Scottish Government does not accept that Monday’s announcement is the end of the story and I will work closely with local authorities most directly affected to agree next steps.”
Eight military bases in Scotland will close in Scotland over the next 15 years, the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced this week.
The Black Watch battalion will leave the 250-year-old garrison Fort George by 2032 – a move it is thought could cost the Highland economy millions of pounds and risk a hundred jobs.
Sir Michael has said no army personnel will leave Scotland under the plans, which he insisted are about modernising the military.
Scottish Labour’s Rhoda Grant said she welcomed the Scottish Government’s efforts to save the bases, but urged the administration to set-up an emergency team to help secure jobs.
She said: “We welcome the Scottish Government looking to engage with the Ministry of Defence on these base closures and we hope that they can be saved.
“The SNP government has a responsibility to protect these local communities and should be taking steps to protect the local economy and local jobs.
“For that reason Labour wants to see a PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) group set up as quickly as possible.”