The Scottish Government has pledged its support for the campaign to save the 125 jobs on the Uists under threat from the Ministry of Defence�s plan to transfer posts from the Hebrides rocket range to Aberporth in South Wales.

The Scottish Government has pledged its support for the campaign to save the 125 jobs on the Uists under threat from the Ministry of Defence's plan to transfer posts from the Hebrides rocket range to Aberporth in South Wales.

Finance Secretary John Swinney travelled to the islands yesterday to attend a meeting of the task force set up after the announcement by the MoD. Mr Swinney said afterwards: "Today's visit has only served to emphasise the importance of these jobs to the local economy of these small island communities.

"I hope my visit has also underlined Scottish Government support for the work under way to push the MoD to look for alternative solutions that protect the valuable and vital employment the range supports."

Mr Swinney added: "I was impressed and encouraged by the determination of all involved to put together the strongest possible case against the proposed course of action, and I assured them the Scottish Government will be full square behind them."