Edinburgh Council in talks on barracks plans

EDINBURGH City Council is to hold talks with the Ministry of Defence amid concerns over plans to close the capital's historic barracks and move soldiers to Kirknewton.

A council report notes the plans will have an impact on schools, housing and the environment in the city.

It comes as Edinburgh West Lib Dem MP Mike Crockhart said he plans to launch a campaign against the proposal, which will see the army removed from its Craigiehall HQ, and the Dreghorn and Redford barracks.

Former senior military figures have criticised the plans for their potential 400 million cost and argue Kirknewton, on the edge of West Lothian, is too far from training areas and services.

A council report notes the plans will have an impact on schools, housing and the environment in the city.

It comes as Edinburgh West Lib Dem MP Mike Crockhart said he plans to launch a campaign against the proposal, which will see the army removed from its Craigiehall HQ, and the Dreghorn and Redford barracks.

Former senior military figures have criticised the plans for their potential 400 million cost and argue Kirknewton, on the edge of West Lothian, is too far from training areas and services.