FORMER SNP justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has criticised the party for pursuing an ‘opposition for opposition’s sake’ stance on the closure of military bases.

Mr MacAskill, writing in today’s Herald, suggested there is a case for closures, with eight of Scotland’s 22 sites to be shut, including Fort George, over the next 15 years.

But he added that there was a need for investment in the local community surrounding Fort George in Inverness.

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He also criticised the Scottish Conservatives for opposing the closure of police stations.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said last week that major Army bases that also include Glencorse Barracks near Penicuik, Midlothian, and Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh are among more than 56 sites to shut across the UK.

The Herald:

Naval base MoD Caledonia in Rosyth, Fife, Condor Airfield, near Arbroath, Angus, Craigiehall Barracks in Edinburgh and Forthside Barracks in Stirling will also close.

Sir Michael told the House of Commons military bases would instead be at "fewer, better locations" in Scotland.

But Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the closures in Scotland as "brutal cuts" that were"deeply distressing".

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It also emerged that Police Scotland was considering the closure of one in five police stations in Scotland, with the future of 58 offices at risk as part of a review of its estate.

Premises potentially under threat include those in Carnoustie, Broughty Ferry, Leith, Hawick, Oban, Campbeltown, Port Glasgow, Ayr, Hamilton and Larkhall.

Opposition MSPs voiced concern, with Conservative community safety spokesman Oliver Mundell saying it would "erode he police presence in communities right across the country".

The Herald: Oliver Mundell - Conservative

Mr MacAskill said: "The SNP has complained loud and long about the planned shutting of military bases, whilst in Holyrood the Tories have protested vigorously about the proposed closure of police stations.

"Both are right to be concerned about some of the suggestions, as well as quite correct to raise the impact on local communities. But both are wrong to deny that, as the services have changed and the needs adapted, closure of many is inevitable.

"The military has shrunk in this country. In 1922 there were 100,000 British soldiers in Ireland alone at the end of its War of Independence. Now there isn’t even that number in total around the world.

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"With many being absent on rotation and often those at home preferring the comfort of a flat with their partner to a spartan barracks, there’s surplus accommodation. Moreover, bases built to garrison the Highlands or elsewhere centuries ago are not what’s required today.

"All that doesn’t mask the problems to be faced. The loss of Fort George, albeit deferred, will be a huge blow to the economy of the Highlands. Similar effects will be felt with other closures in other areas. The money injected into communities is substantial and other services such as schools can be affected. Action is needed to alleviate the problems caused and help is required to adapt to the changed world thereafter."

He said both parties should recognise the need for change in modern times amid financial pressures.

He added: “Let us have constructive criticism by all means. But it’s time for an end to opposition for opposition’s sake. That will better serve our communities.”