Army changes 'need clarification'

Jun 14 2012

The UK Government needs to clarify the details of changes planned for the Armed Forces in Scotland, a Holyrood minister has said.

UK Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey should disclose how many troops are to be stationed in Scotland as well as the timetable of changes set out in the UK defence review, said Bruce Crawford, the Scottish Government's Strategy Secretary.

Mr Crawford, who is due to meet with Mr Harvey in London, said he wants assurances that historic Scottish regimental names are being retained.

He said: "The Scottish Government has sought to engage positively throughout the UK Government's defence review, and we will continue to play our part to achieve the best outcomes possible in the circumstances for service personnel, their families and the communities that host them around Scotland."

The UK Government announced in July last year that the RAF Leuchars would close and become a new army headquarters. It said this would mean an increased military "footprint" in Scotland.

Mr Crawford said Ministry of Defence figures show that the number of MoD personnel in Scotland has actually fallen by 660.

"I have repeatedly made the point to the UK Government that the extended period of uncertainty following the then Secretary of State for Defence's statement has not been helpful and I will press the minister for assurances that the commitment of additional personnel will be honoured," he said.

"The Scottish Government understands the importance of Scotland's historic regimental traditions. We have repeatedly called on the UK Government to respect those traditions as it takes forward its plans for Army restructuring, and I will do so again today."