A north MP has taken the battle to save the historic Fort George barracks to Westminster.
Inverness representative Drew Hendry has tabled a motion in the Commons calling on the UK Government to ensure the base “continues to serve the Highlands and the country for many years to come”.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering shutting down Fort George as part of its ongoing “footprint strategy”, although it insists “no final decision” has been taken.
A pull-out by the Army would end its 250-year use as an operational garrison.
Fight For Fort George: Sign our petition
After the plans emerged, the Press and Journal launched the Fight for Fort George campaign to save the base.
More than 650 people have now signed our online petition, including Hollywood actor Hugh Grant, Major General Seymour Monro, who runs the Highland Military Tattoo, and politicians such as Mr Hendry, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson, and Labour MSP David Stewart.
Mr Hendry has written to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Scottish Secretary David Mundell calling for an urgent meeting to press them to rule out the “reckless” proposal.
And yesterday he lodged an early day motion in parliament highlighting the issue.
Last night, he said: “For decades we have witnessed the decline of military presence in the Highlands with the closure of RAF Kinloss and loss of Highland regiments.
“It is vital that we don’t see Fort George added to that list.
“For now, I am now calling on MPs across the chamber to get behind our campaign to save Fort George and sign this early day motion which calls on the government to ensure that Fort George continues to serve the Highlands and the country for many years to come.
“If plans to close this historic garrison were to go ahead, the social impact will be felt sharply here as will the economic cost.
“In the Highlands this is estimated to be as much as £14million a year.
“Over a hundred jobs connected to the fort would be at risk and the economy of surrounding communities, in particular Ardersier would be deeply affected.
“We must all work together to ensure that doesn’t happen.”