SNP calls for clarity over Army changes

Mr Crawford said the number of MoD personnel in Scotland had fallen by 660

The UK government needs to clarify the changes planned for the Armed Forces in Scotland, a Holyrood minister has said.

UK Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey should disclose how many troops will be stationed in Scotland as well as the timetable of any changes.

Bruce Crawford, the Scottish government's strategy secretary, said assurances were also needed over Scottish regimental names.

He is due to meet with Mr Harvey in London on Thursday.

"The Scottish government has sought to engage positively throughout the UK government's defence review, and we will continue to play our part to achieve the best outcomes possible in the circumstances for service personnel, their families and the communities that host them around Scotland," Mr Crawford said.

<bold>'Regimental traditions'</bold>

The UK government announced in July last year that RAF Leuchars would close and become a new army headquarters as part of its defence review.

It said the change would mean an increased military "footprint" in Scotland.

Mr Crawford said Ministry of Defence figures showed that the number of MoD personnel in Scotland had actually fallen by 660.

"I have repeatedly made the point to the UK government that the extended period of uncertainty following the then secretary of state for defence's statement has not been helpful and I will press the minister for assurances that the commitment of additional personnel will be honoured," he said.

"The Scottish government understands the importance of Scotland's historic regimental traditions.

"We have repeatedly called on the UK government to respect those traditions as it takes forward its plans for Army restructuring, and I will do so again today."

The Ministry of Defence said last month that there was "no intention" to remove the historic names of Scotland's battalions as part of restructuring plans.

However, at the time Mr Harvey said no final decisions had been made about the future make-up of the Army.