A north MP has urged the new secretary of state for defence to look again at the decision to axe Fort George.
Michael Fallon quit the post on Wednesday after allegations of groping, admitting he had “fallen below the high standards we require” and reportedly fearing more complaints could come to light as the sleaze scandal rocked Westminster.
Mr Fallon has been replaced by Gavin Williamson, formerly Theresa May’s chief whip, and most notable for keeping a pet tarantula called Cronus on his office desk.
This time last year, Mr Fallon took the decision to close Fort George, the 250-year-old fortress and home of the 500-strong Black Watch infantry battalion near Inverness, among seven other Scottish military bases.
But now, Inverness MP, Drew Hendry, has called on the new defence minister to review the “wrong-headed” decision.
He said: “The Ministry of Defence is making a massive military mistake with the closure plans for Fort George and, if it goes ahead, it will have a negative impact on our communities with hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds per year for our local economy at stake.
“I will urge the new secretary of state for defence to review this wrong-headed decision.
“For however long he [Mr Williamson] remains in post in this dysfunctional Tory government, it is vital he is made to understand the importance of the base and why it should remain open.”
However, a MOD spokesperson responded last night: “Fort George is set to be used as a military establishment until 2032 and, by giving certainty on defence’s long-term plans, we can give clarity to the local community.
“Every penny made from the sale of sites such as Fort George will be invested back into defence on things like the new maritime aircraft at Lossiemouth or the new ships being built on the Clyde.”