UK minister in pledge on numbers of Scots forces

Bruce Crawford discussed planned changes at a meeting with armed forces minister Nick Harvey in London.

Mr Crawford, the Scottish Government’s strategy secretary, said he secured agreement that Scotland would still see an increase in the number of military personnel in Scotland following the defence review.

He said he also gained assurance that, for the bases at Leuchars and Kinloss transferring from RAF to army use, transition plans will take account of the impact on the local economy and public services.

However, he said he was disappointed that Mr Harvey was unable to guarantee the future of Scottish regimental units.

Mr Crawford said: “While the minister could not provide certainty on the timescales for MoD decisions, I welcome that he did recognise that account must be taken in any transition proposals of the impact on the local economy and public services.

“Worryingly, in the first three months of this year, official MoD figures show that the number of MoD personnel posted in Scotland has fallen by 660.

“However, I was pleased to secure agreement that there will be an increase in military personnel in Scotland and that Scotland will still become home to a multi-role brigade.”