Debate on regiments’ future

THE FUTURE of Scottish regiments is set to be debated in the House of Commons today.

Following reports suggesting that Prime Minister David Cameron has demanded a U-turn on plans to amalgamate or disband battalions, further clarity over the situation has been sought.

Today’s debate, which has been secured by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart will provide ministers with their first opportunity to respond to concerns.

Mr Wishart, whose constituency is regarded as the spiritual home of The Black Watch, is also demanding that the Ministry of Defence further clarifies the future of the capabilities of regiments, as well as names and cap badges.

“The MOD has created real confusion over the future of Scotland’s defence units,” he said.

“First they refused to rule out cuts, then MOD sources were briefing that historic names and cap badges will be saved — enough is enough.”

Mr Wishart continued: “As the MOD have just confirmed, less than 3% of regular Army units are now stationed in Scotland— that is just four of 148 major regular Army units.

“In contrast to the need for a well-funded conventional defence presence in Scotland, the reality is completely the opposite.

“For over a decade Scotland has been short-changed, losing more than 11,000 defence jobs and enduring a £5.6 billion underspend.”

The campaign to secure the future of regiments like The Black Watch and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders has also been given the backing of Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson.

She was at the regimental museum in Balhousie Castle in Perth yesterday to speak with leading local military figures.

Ms Davidson praised the battalion’s history of service before criticising opposition parties for “whipping up speculation”.

“There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the future and identity of the battalions in the Royal Regiment of Scotland — speculation which has been shamefully whipped up for party political ends from some quarters,” said Ms Davidson.

“I have spoken directly to the Prime Minister on this issue and he, like me, understands the importance of the golden thread.”

Steve Macdougall. Picture: Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson with Major Ronnie Proctor during her visit to Balhousie Castle in Perth.

Picture: PA. The 91 members of seven military units who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest line of fanfare trumpeters at Wellington Barracks, London.