One of the army bases in Edinburgh is to close while two others have been given a reprieve.
Following today’s statement by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond on the Army Basing Plan, Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Crockart, who fought to keep the army operating from the capital said:-“Today’s announcement is a welcome retreat by Mr Hammond; I am delighted that Scotland’s army will continue to call Edinburgh home.
“It was clear from the start that the argument in favour of a ‘super-barracks’ was flawed. I asked the Government nearly 100 questions ranging from the effect on local communities to the cost of the ‘super-barracks’ project and the Defence Secretary failed to provide me with any detailed answers.
“Army personnel and their families based on the south side of the capital who had been given little detail about the possibility of rebasing will be breathing a sigh of relief today as the uncertainty about their future is lifted. Dreghorn and Redford barracks will remain part of the army’s estate in Edinburgh and for these families as well as local schools and businesses today’s is good news.
“Craigiehall base, which has housed the Scottish army’s headquarters for many years, will sadly close with the loss of around 100 civilian jobs. The loss of experienced and dedicated individuals along with their valuable skills and expertise is a mistake and a decision I have fought against. Our focus must now be to ensure that each and every person affected by that closure gets the support they need to move on.
“On the whole today’s decision is good news. Edinburgh has been home to Scotland’s regiments for centuries and it is right that they will continue to be a part of our capital and of our communities into the future.”
Meanwhile Colin Keir MSP for Edinburgh Western condemned the planned closure of Craigiehall which lies in his constituency.
Colin Keir MSP said:- “I am deeply disappointed by this decision. This is a blow for the constituency and the local community,’ he continued ‘the Army has had a presence at Craigiehall for many, many years and that presence is respected and supported by the local community it is shameful that this Tory/LibDem government have ripped up that relationship with today’s announcement.
I will be making representations to establish what the future holds for the Craigiehall site and do my utmost to ensure there is benefit to the local community. It is now blatantly clear that defence is not safe in Westminster’s hands following the systematic dismantling of the armed forces carried out by successive Westminster governments.”
The press release from the UK Government about the army coming back from Germany, and the anticipated boost to the UK economy is here. The detailed plan as to exactly how many soldiers will be based where are found in this UK Government document here.
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