Faslane: Home of Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet getting £250m upgrade

A major investment to improve the home of the Royal Navy's nuclear deterrent is being launched.

HMNB Clyde will undergo a £250m upgrade over the next three years as it prepares to house the next generation of submarines being built for the Silent Service.

Funding for the Faslane base was announced in the Strategic Defence Review in June as the site prepares for the arrival of the Dreadnought-class vessels that will replace the Vanguard-class boats currently in service.

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Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle said: "We are today reaffirming that unshakeable commitment by launching this multibillion-pound investment to His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, which is vital to our deterrence capability.

"The initial £250m of funding over three years will support jobs, skills and growth across the west of Scotland.

"This Government will keep the UK safe for generations to come while delivering on the Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth."

Ms Eagle, along with Ian Murray, the Secretary of State for Scotland, met senior military officials, the leaders of Inverclyde and Argyll and Bute councils, and local MPs during their visit, which is one of the largest single-site employers in the country.

Scottish Secretary Mr Murray said the investment would create employment opportunities and be positive for businesses in the area.

"With Faslane home to the nation's first and final line of defence – the UK's nuclear deterrent, it's only right that Clyde 2070 represents one of the most significant UK Government investments over the coming decades," he said.

"It will ensure the Royal Navy can deliver the continuous at sea deterrent from a modern, efficient base, which will result in a better environment for our hero submariners to live, work and train in.

"Crucially, it will also create skilled jobs – including for small and medium-sized firms – boost the economy and help tackle the critical skills gaps facing the country in sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management, by bringing together government, Scottish communities, industry, supply chains and academia to address the challenges."