Preparations are underway to fight any new move by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to close the historic Fort George army base near Inverness, as part of latest cost cutting exercise.
It is also seen as a threat to the Black Watch currently stationed at the barracks to the east of the Highland capital.
The MoD has confirmed that the future of the fort, built in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden in 1746, is under consideration as it seeks to raise £1 billion pound by reducing the defence estate and disposing of properties.
In 2011, actor Hugh Grant launched a public appeal to help raise £3m to redevelop the museum. His grandfather was base commander at the fort during the Second World War.
Fort George was discussed at a meeting in London yesterday between Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown and Defence Minister Mark Lancaster.
Mr Brown had already made his feelings clear in a letter to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon,
"I was deeply disappointed to learn through the local Firm Base meeting that Fort George, home of the Black Watch, is at risk in the latest round of MoD reforms. This base has been in continuous use as a garrison for almost 250 years, so any decision for the Army to vacate the site would have huge significance in Scotland."
He said there would considerable practical consequences for the Scottish Government as while Fort George is operated by Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Ministers retained ultimate responsibility.
"This decision, if taken, would have a major impact on our ability to maintain the site. I would therefore expect MoD Ministers to discuss this with Scottish Ministers well before decisions are made."
He anticipated significant questions from the Scottish public about what such a decision might mean for the future of the Black Watch.
"Successive defence reviews have seen the Scottish regiments decimated, and I would like to seek assurances that the status and personnel of the Black Watch will not be downgraded," Mr Brown said.
Fort George is a leading tourist attraction, being home to The Highlanders’ Museum, one of the largest regimental museums in Scotland.
Local MSP Fergus Ewing, who is Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity said there had been many cuts to Scottish military bases, including the nearby RAF Kinloss. “Many former servicemen in the Highlands are very proud of their military traditions and history. All of them have long memories and will be appalled at any betrayal of Fort George,” he said.
Local SNP MP Hendry Drew Hendry said he had written to the Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Mr Fallon for an urgent meeting.
He said "There can be no good reason for this successful base with its proud military record, both modern and ancient should be considered expendable. It also raises questions about the future of the Black Watch and the risks for downgrading of their current status."
Fort George has previously been considered for closure in the MoD's drive for economies, and was last saved four years ago.
Roddy Balfour, the independent councillor for Culloden and Ardersier said any new closure threat would have to be fought. "Ardersier has been a garrison village for over two centuries. Fort George is extremely important to the area."
In January the MoD announced plans to dispose of 12 sites to try to save £500million. It expects to announce the final estate rationalisation plan in the autumn
A spokeswoman for the MoD insisted no final decision had yet been taken on the Highland base:
“As part of an ongoing review, we are aiming to create a smaller and better Defence estate that effectively supports our Armed Forces in the important role they play. The MoD is considering how it might achieve this and no final decision about the future of Fort George has been made at this time.”
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