The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Funding to secure Faslane’s future
The billion-pound development of HM Naval Base Clyde will be a catalyst for growth and regeneration in the community, Scottish Secretary David Mundell has said.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is investing in the base as the Royal Navy submarine specialisation centre, ahead of the eventual arrival of the Dreadnought class of ballistic submarines.
The UK Government, Royal Navy and Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership have now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreeing to work together in delivering infrastructure and opportunities for Royal Navy families and locals to live and work together.
Mr Mundell, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said: “The UK’s entire submarine fleet will be based at Faslane by 2020.
“This will reinforce Scotland’s vital role in protecting our country and guarantee skilled, secure jobs on the Clyde for years to come.
“We must ensure this investment in the base is also a catalyst for growth and regeneration in the wider community.
“Today’s agreement will deliver new housing and improved infrastructure, ensuring people in Argyll and Bute benefit directly from hosting the base.”
On Friday Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon announced £1.3 billion for upgrades to the base’s waterfront, engineering support, accommodation and security.
The number of staff at the base will rise from 6,800 to 8,200.
The construction phases are expected to support a further 1,000 contractor jobs.
Naval base commander Commodore Mark Gayfer said: “The Royal Navy is keen to ensure that the local community better understands what it brings to Argyll and Bute.”