Government assurances that search and rescue service would continue to be stationed at RAF Lossiemouth have been branded worthless.

The SNP's Westminster defence spokesman, Angus Robertson, made the claim after a new £1.6 billion contract was awarded to America's Bristow Helicopters, who will have bases in Shetland, Lewis, Prestwick and Inverness.

It means search and rescue provided by the RAF and Royal Navy for the past 70 years, from the Moray base and HMS Gannet at Prestwick in Ayrshire, will be taken over by Bristow.

Some staff will transfer to the firm and the contract will also cover work done by the coastguard helicopters.

Mr Robertson said: "The privatisation of military helicopter search and rescue services is misguided. It will end the role of military aircrew from these life-saving flights, which is a bad move.

"The public has come to trust and value the military search and rescue service and this privatisation is wrong."

The Moray MP alleged the Department for Transport had misled him about changes to helicopter flights currently operated out of Lossiemouth.

He said a minister had assured him the only change would be to the provider and helicopters.

l Prince William, a search and rescue pilot based at RAF Valley in North Wales, will be among those replaced.