By Steve Bargeton, political editor

THE SCOTTISH Executive and MSPs of all parties last night threw their weight behind the campaign to retain the Defence Aviation Repair Agency base at Almondbank in Perth.

There are fears that 325 jobs could be lost as a result of a Ministry of Defence review.

Leading a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham said the Executive’s response to speculation of job cuts at DARA had to date been lukewarm.

“When the response finally came it didn’t inspire confidence that we were going to see the sort of urgency …we have seen in Wales,” she said. “The minister said the Executive would do all it could, but his plan of action seemed to involve little more than speaking to (UK Armed Forces Minister) Adam Ingram.

“It is not enough to be told that DARA will be saved. That does not mean Almondbank will be saved. It is not enough to be told Almondbank will not be closed. That does not mean jobs will not be lost.

“Tonight I want an assurance that the Enterprise Minister will not only acknowledge the serious impact there would be on Perthshire if there were job losses at DARA Almondbank, but that he will also meet the local campaign and make the strongest possible representations to the MoD and to the UK Cabinet that the jobs at DARA Almondbank must be retained.”

Replying for the Executive, deputy finance minister Tavish Scott said enterprise minister Jim Wallace was willing to discuss the issue with Ms Cunningham.

“Almondbank has been the subject of widespread speculation,” he said.

Mr Scott added, “This devolved government is doing everything it can to safeguard any jobs which may be under threat as a result of this review.

“The Executive has been assured that there is no secret agenda as regards DARA.”

Mr Scott assured members that ministers and officials are in close contact with the MOD on the issue and he reminded the house that Mr Ingram is on record as saying there are no plans to close Almondbank.

Scottish Tory Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser pledged his party’s support to Almondbank.

“There is no doubt that the closure of DARA would have a devastating effect on the Perthshire economy,” he said.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie also pledged support but called for more consistency in SNP policy over defence.

For the Liberal Democrats, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Keith Raffan said, “This has the potential to be a very serious blow to the economy.

“But it is only right to say at the very beginning that no decisions have been made.”

Mr Raffan called on the Executive to press for a quick decision from the MoD to end the uncertainty for the workforce at Almondbank.