MOD to close eight military sites across Scotland
Ministry of Defence announcement means 20% of defence estate axed
Eight military sites in Scotland will close in the next 15 years, cutting the defence estate by 20%.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said major Army bases at Fort George near Ardersier, north of Inverness, Glencorse Barracks near Penicuik, Midlothian, and Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh are among more than 56 sites to shut across the UK.
Naval base MoD Caledonia in Rosyth, Fife, Condor Airfield, near Arbroath, Angus, Craigiehall Barracks in Edinburgh and Forthside Barracks in Stirling will also close.
Sir Michael told the House of Commons military bases would instead be at "fewer, better locations'' in Scotland.
He said: "In Scotland this strategy will result in investment being concentrated into fewer, better locations.
"Our proposals will release eight sites over the next 15 years.
"We will invest in main centres of specialisation.''
But Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the closure of eight of Scotland's 22 military facilities is a "huge blow'' for the country.
He said: "These brutal cuts spell the near total removal of the Army from large parts of Scotland and the end of the Royal Navy's presence in Fife.
"It is deeply distressing to witness the announcement to close truly historic sites, such as Glencorse, home to the Army for almost 150 years, and Fort George, a garrison for almost 250 years.
"The decision to cut these historic ties will be met with understandable anger in Fife, Midlothian, the Highlands and throughout Scotland. These cuts will have far-reaching economic and social impacts, placing jobs at risk, both directly and indirectly.
"Despite our best efforts, the UK Government has continually refused to engage with the Scottish Government ahead of these decisions being taken. It is vital that we now understand what this means in terms of personnel numbers and I call on the MoD to guarantee that Army units are not further diminished or moved out of Scotland altogether.
"Scottish ministers and local communities have clearly set out our opposition to these cuts - it is deeply disappointing that Scotland's views have not been taken on board.''
Sir Michael told the Commons: "This strategy looks ahead to 2040 to provide a better defence estate.
"An estate that supports a more efficient and effective military capability; an estate that gives our armed forces a world class base from which to work, and an estate that helps defence keep Britain safe and to promote our prosperity.''
Sir Michael said the changes would mean the Royal Navy remained focused on port bases and naval stations.
MPs heard that surface ships would be based in Portsmouth and Devonport, with all the United Kingdom's submarines based on the Clyde.
There will be a specialist amphibious centre in the South West, based around Devonport, with helicopters based at Yeovilton and Culdrose.
Sir Michael added the army would have "specialised infantry'' at Aldershot, mechanised wheel capability in Catterick, air assault forces in Colchester, armoured vehicle units around Salisbury Plain, medical services in the West Midlands and hubs of light infantry battalions in London, Edinburgh, Lisburn, St Athan, Blackpool and Cottesmore.
In the RAF, combat units would remain in Coningsby, Marham and Lossiemouth, with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services remaining in Waddington.
Air transport will be based at Brize Norton, force protection will be based at Honington, and support enablers would be based at Wittering and Leeming.
In Scotland, eight sites will be released over the next 15 years, Sir Michael said.
He said investment in specialised centres would focus on Lossiemouth, Faslane and Leuchars.
"Contrary to some speculation and unnecessary scaremongering, Kinloss will be retained,'' added Sir Michael.
In Wales, the estate will be brought together into "capability clusters'', Sir Michael said, with a specialist light infantry centre at St Athan.
In Northern Ireland, three sites will be released and the remaining operations will be centred on larger centres of population, he added.
Sir Michael said: "As we implement these plans, we will seek to minimise any disruption to the armed forces, civilians and their families, and to give as much notice as possible over planned redeployments.
"By releasing sites we no longer need, we can help build the houses we do need.
"I can confirm that the MoD now has firm plans to achieve its target to release sufficient lands to build up to 55,000 houses in this Parliament.''
Last year's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) outlined the MoD's aim to reduce the size of its estate by 30% before 2040.
The MoD had previously announced the closure of 35 sites, freeing up enough land for up to 39,000 new homes and potentially generating around ÂŁ930 million.