MP issues a fresh call for naval unit’s return to city

Appeal: Patrol and training vessel was moved down to Edinburgh in 2012

An appeal has been made to the UK Government to reverse an “ill-advised decision” six years ago that left the north-east without a permanent naval presence.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Tory MP Andrew Bowie has penned a letter, which he has shared exclusively with the Press and Journal, to the secretary of state for defence regarding the former Aberdeen University Royal Navy Unit (AURNU). In 2012, the coalition government at Westminster decided to shut the unit and move its associated patrol vessel and training ship HMS Archer from Aberdeen to Edinburgh.

Mr Bowie says this “deprived” north-east students of the opportunity to experience naval life.

The vessel, which had spent 20 years in Aberdeen, was renamed the East of Scotland University Royal Navy Unit.

Before its move to the central belt, it had 58 student members. Mr Bowie – who studied at Aberdeen University and trained with the AURNU – has now called on the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson to bring it back to the north-east.

Mr Bowie said: “The Aberdeen unit is the oldest of its kind in the UK and has a place close to my heart.

“Not only am I a former student at Aberdeen University but the unit is also where I met my wife.

“Beyond sentimental reasons, however, this was an ill-advised decision that simply should not have been made.

“It has left a huge chunk of Scotland’s coastline – and a major port in Aberdeen – without a permanent naval presence.”

Set up in 1967, the AURNU was one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Students who joined the unit received training in navigation, seamanship, man-overboard exercises and other skills.

Mr Bowie added: “I find it unacceptable that this unit was disbanded and the ship moved to the central belt for cost-cutting reasons.

“It has deprived students of the ability to see or experience what a career in the senior service can offer.

“I have now written to the Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson, urging him to review this decision.

“The north-east must stop being short-changed by central governments of all colours.”

SEA TRAINER: The vessel that formerly belonged to the now-closed Aberdeen University Royal Naval Unit, which shut in 2012 but which an MP wants to see reopened