SNP deputy hits out at battalion’s drug rates

The Black Watch failed more drug tests than any other Scottish battalion, according to Army figures.

Soldiers in the 3rd battalion, whose recruiting heartlands are in Tayside and Fife, tested positive for narcotics on up to 25 occasions in 2017, a Sunday Post investigation revealed.

Former Angus-based Royal Marine Keith Brown, who is the SNP’S deputy leader, raised fears over the decision to give some of those a second chance, saying it put them and others in “mortal danger”.

The Ministry of Defence relaxed the automatic dismissal rules for new recruits after one in 10 trainees were thrown out for drugs in their first 14 weeks.

Mr Brown, a commandoturned-msp, said: “Sending signals that drugs use will be tolerated in any way cannot be the right answer.”

He added: “During training, recruits will be asked to confront dangerous situations, highvelocity weapons and highexplosive ordinance, usually for the first time.

“Giving any sign that drug use can be tolerated in any way in those circumstances is both a recipe for disaster and likely to further deter those who would wish to join the forces.”

Figures obtained by The Post revealed the number of soldiers who failed drug tests in the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland doubled to 40 last year, with 20-25 of the tests failed in 3 Scots, The Black Watch.

MPS were told in October that the Army has 77,000 fullytrained troops, which is shy of the 82,500 target.

An Army spokesperson said: “The Army does not tolerate illegal drug use as it is incompatible with military service and operational effectiveness. Personnel caught taking drugs will be discharged.”

PA. SNP deputy and former commando Keith Brown.