Inverness MP Drew Hendry has condemned the UK Government for refusing to engage over Fort George until after a decision has been made.
Fears the Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to close the military barracks have been looming over the Highlands in the last few months but so far there has been no official consultation.
Now, Scotland secretary David Mundell has said the MoD will engage fully following a strategy report on Fort George and Kinloss in Moray but not prior to a decision being made.
“It is all very well offering engagement on the future decisions of Fort George and Kinloss, but it is of little value after the decision has been made,” said Mr Hendry, who represents Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey.
“This UK Government talks big about a respect agenda yet, despite months of uncertainty, the MoD continue to ignore calls from the Scottish veterans minister, Keith Brown, to meet about the ongoing defence review, which includes Fort George and Kinloss.
“Let’s be clear, this is a reprehensible way to behave towards our local communities and I have, yet again, written to the minister to ask that he meet immediately with the Scottish Government and share plans on the potential impact this review will have on Scotland, and on Fort George.”
A UK Government spokeswoman said a final decision on closures could be made before Christmas.
“The MoD is one of the biggest landowners in Scotland with an estate more than eight times the size of the city of Glasgow,” she said.
“Every penny made from the sale of sites will be invested back into defence on things like the new maritime aircraft at Lossiemouth or the new ships being built on the Clyde.
“While no final decision about future sites has been made, the government is committed to having an enduring defence presence in Scotland where it continues to invest heavily.”
Article originally published by Inverness Courier
