Scottish Conservative MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser have expressed their delight at the announcement that The Black Watch will “return home.”
The politicians, who both represent the Mid Scotland and Fife region, were reacting to a statement from Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence for the UK, in the House of Commons, which confirmed that Fort George will be closed, resulting in The Black Watch being stationed at Leuchars in Fife.
The plan on the Future Structure of the Army is the most radical transformation of the British Army in 20 years and is aimed at levelling-up the Army’s presence across the UK. The modernisation of the Army will see a total of £355 million invested in Scotland and it is understood this will provide a £1 billion boost to the Scottish economy overall.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said: “This announcement is a real ‘welcome home’ message to The Black Watch and is great news. Fife and Tayside is the ancestral home of the famous regiment, so it is heartening that they will be returning there.”
And Murdo Fraser MSP added: “Instead of being based up north, The Black Watch will be coming home. Fife and Tayside have been the recruiting grounds for the regiment for many years, so it is entirely fitting they will now be based at Leuchars.
“It will also provide a major economic boost for the North East Fife economy.”
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 Scots) are presently stationed at Fort George, near Inverness. They are due to move to Leuchars in 2029.
