The future of The Black Watch is under threat with the Ministry of Defence considering closing the regiment’s base, The Courier can reveal.
In a letter to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, the Scottish Government’s veterans minister, Keith Brown, has expressed his dismay at the prospect of Fort George, by Inverness, being axed.
Scottish Government sources fear that could lead to the number of those wearing the famous Red Hackle being slashed to around 200 with battalion status reduced to that of a special detachment.
Mr Brown wrote: “I was deeply disappointed to learn through the local Firm Base meeting that Fort George, the home of The Black Watch, is at risk in the latest round of MoD reforms.
“This base has been in continuous use as a garrison for almost 250 years, so any decision for the army to vacate the site would have huge significance in Scotland. There are also considerable practical consequences for the Scottish Government.
“Fort George is operated by Historic Environment Scotland, under a scheme of delegation from Scottish ministers, who retain ultimate responsibility for the site.”
The MoD announced in March that it planned to vacate 10 more sites across the UK, as part of its aim to cut the size of its built estate by 30%
Mr Brown added: “This decision, if taken, would have a major impact on our ability to maintain the site.
“I would therefore expect MoD ministers to discuss this with Scottish ministers well before decisions are made. I also anticipate significant questions from the Scottish public about what such a basing decision might mean for the future of The Black Watch.
“Successive defence reviews have seen the Scottish regiments decimated and I would like to seek assurances that the status and personnel of The Black Watch will not be downgraded.”
The Fort George base was previously threatened with closure in 2011.
The Courier fought to keep the regiment when it came under threat in 2012, forcing a U-turn from David Cameron and then Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
Current incumbent Mr Fallon should know the significance of The Black Watch more than most, having grown up in Invergowrie.
