Calls To Rethink Closures Of Scottish Military Bases

The Scottish government wants talks with Westminster over plans to close military bases in the country.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon announced the closures in November 2016 and he defended the decision during a visit to 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik.

“We’ve set out our proposals for a better estate by closing some of the older barracks - but also expanding others”

The home of 2 SCOTS is earmarked for closure in 2032.

Eight bases including the historic Fort George near Inverness are set to close. The 200-year-old fort currently houses soldiers from The Black Watch (3 SCOTS).

The Scottish government's Veterans Minister, Keith Brown, has previously described the cuts as “brutal” and says there is still no clarity from Westminster on what the impact will be to the country.

“We’ve tried without success to get the UK Government to meet and discuss these things with us and we hope that will now happen”

Sir Michael Fallon said the government was investing in sites at Lossiemouth and Faslane, and its proposals will lead to a better estate.

“We will still be consulting with local authorities as well as with the individual units as to what the best options for the future are”