Meeting on futures of Fort George and Kinloss barracks

The fort continues to operate as a barracks

Scotland's veterans minister has met Highland councillors and members of Moray Economic Partnership to discuss the future of two barracks.

Concerns the Army could be withdrawn from Fort George and Kinloss Barracks as part of a Ministry of Defence review were discussed.

Following the meeting, Keith Brown said the Scottish government was "firmly opposed" to the barracks closing.

He has sought an "urgent meeting" with UK defence minister Mark Lancaster.

Fort George, near Ardersier, is an 18th Century artillery fort and currently houses soldiers from the Black Watch (3 SCOTS).

Kinloss in Moray is a former RAF station that now provides a base for the Army.

Mr Brown said: "The local communities here in the north of Scotland have close bonds with the military.

"Highland Council and Moray Economic Partnership are rightly concerned about the risk of the MoD closing Fort George and Kinloss Barracks which would have significant impacts on local jobs, schools and other infrastructure."