By Steve Bargeton, political editor

The Scottish Tories yesterday called on the Government to force army chiefs to hold a public consultation into the plans to axe one of Scotland’s famous infantry regiments.

They said the army should conduct its deliberations in “an open manner”.

“Given this Government’s love of consultations, I hope that it will respond to our call for the Army Board to conduct a public consultation into the proposed abolition and/or amalgamations of the Scottish regiments,” said Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie.

“It has been landed with sorting out the consequences of Labour’s defence cuts which are set to hit Scotland hard.

“The Scottish regiments and the naval and RAF forces based in Scotland are not just vital to the defence of the UK and in its peacekeeping roles around the world, but are also important contributors to the economy and valued members of communities around the country.

“Scotland has contributed so much to Britain’s armed services over the centuries, and it is sad that we have a Government that is too willing to sacrifice that service, tradition and history.”

Tory MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser said that if it is the conclusion of army chiefs that there should be no cuts and no amalgamations, then that message should be sent to ministers.

“The Army Board should conduct their review, forced upon them by the Government, in an open manner,” he said.

“I would propose a 12-week consultation that takes evidence from anyone who wishes to provide it, publishes the evidence and produces a report justifying any decision reached.

“If the conclusion of that exercise is that the cuts or amalgamations should not proceed, then that is the message that should go back to Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Geoff Hoon. The axe still hangs above all of Scotland’s regiments, and Scottish Conservatives will continue to lead the fight to maintain the existing historic and successful regimental structure.

He added, “Let’s us not forget the ultimate sacrifice paid by Private Marc Ferns last week and the critical injuries sustained by his colleague Sergeant Kevin Stacey, both of The Black Watch.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Peter Duncan said, “Scotland’s regiments have worked tirelessly to preserve the freedom of our people and bring freedom to others over hundreds of years. Two of them—The Black Watch and the Royal Highland Fusiliers—are serving the people of Iraq as they battle to rebuild their country, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders have recently returned from Iraq.

“We live in a time where terrorist fanatics pose a threat to the freedoms we enjoy, and our armed forces are already stretched to the limits.

“To stretch them further with these savage cuts is nothing short of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

“A Conservative government will make security of our country the top priority. If we need to increase defence spending to maintain our fighting capabilities, then increase it we shall do.”