A war of words has erupted over the future of Kinloss Barracks – with a senior Tory accusing Moray’s MP of scaremongering.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said yesterday there was “not a shred of evidence” to suggest the base was being considered for closure.
But Angus Robertson, who raised fears about its fate earlier this week, hit back, branding the Conservative frontbencher’s remarks “deeply concerning”.
And Moray Council convener Allan Wright insisted the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) had told the local authority “quite blatantly” that Kinloss is being considered for closure.
The DIO is heading the review which could lead to the site being shut – five years after the demise of Kinloss as an RAF station.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has insisted no decision has been made on the future of the barracks.
But a source told the Press Journal all options were currently on the table.
Asked if he could shed light on the base’s future, Mr Mundell said: “There is not a shred of evidence to suggest that Kinloss was being considered for closure.
“That was scaremongering of the worst possible kind by people who just want to put out press releases rather than play a constructive part in supporting the Armed Forces.”
But Mr Robertson, who is the SNP’s Westminster leader, said: “It is deeply concerning that the secretary of state for Scotland does not think there is a shred of evidence for this when the MoD is meeting to discuss the future of bases like Kinloss with local authorities.
“The MoD themselves have indicated that they are looking at many bases and my own sources have stated quite clearly this includes Kinloss.
“If the secretary of state does not know this, then I have to question what exactly he is doing to represent Scotland on this important issue.”
Councillor Wright said: “The DIO have told us quite blatantly that it certainly is an option, and something we can expect an answer on next month.
“It may be true to say there is no evidence that it will be closed, but we certainly have been given a strong impression that it is being considered.”
Fears have also been raised that Fort George, near Inverness, could also fall victim to MoD cutbacks.
Mr Mundell said he hoped there would be an “early decision to end the uncertainty”, indicating it would be “soon”.