Scots defence questions

Scotland may struggle in theshorttermto recruit the right people to fill its military forces after independence, a defence conference heard yesterday.

Politicians were urged to start thinking about intelligence gathering, anti-terrorism and how a defence force would be recruited before the referendum.

The Edinburgh conference brought ex-soldiers and academics together to discuss defence if voters opt to leave the UK. Clive Fairweather, a former SAS deputy commander, said Scotland’s oil and gas platforms are the most likely terrorist targets.

He said a special forces squadron would need about 75 members at an estimated cost of £10million to establish and £5million a year to run.

Mr Fairweather went on: “On the announcement of independence, I’m sure patriotic Scots SAS and SBS will be rushing north to become the backbone.

“Actually I reckon that would be a handful. The remainder will probably stay on for a more professional opportunity elsewhere.”

To counter those concerns, he said preparation must start now, adding: “We can’t wait until dayone of independence. Some preparation will have to be made to cobble that force together beforehand.”

He added: “We won’t find out until after independence quite who our enemies are and how they’re going to operate.”