The closure-threatened Highlanders Museum at Fort George must be preserved – and one solution would be retaining it as the centrepiece of a 1,000-room holiday complex.
That radical vision has been aired by Highland SNP councillor and ex-serviceman Allan Duffy, who said the idea was mooted some years ago by the museum’s curators, Historic Scotland.
Councillor Duffy, a former corporal who served with various units at Fort George between 1997 and 2008, said: “Historic Scotland said they wanted to turn it into a hotel.
“Financially, for the museum and the surrounding area, that would be fantastic.”
He suggested retaining a reservist battalion of about 150 troops to keep a military foothold at the barracks.
“That would leave accommodation for at least 1,000 tourists,” he said. “Think what that could do for the area.”
A spokesman for Historic Environment Scotland said: “We’re aware that there is understandable speculation.
“However, given that no decision has been taken and discussions are still ongoing, it would be premature to comment on any potential future developments.”
As of last night, more than 750 people had backed a P&J online petition to save the barracks. Hugh Grant and SNP and Labour politicians are among the supporters.