Swinney urges MoD range rethink

One of the ranges is used by soldiers training with the Rapier missile system

Campaigners have been told the Scottish Government will urge the Ministry of Defence to rethink its decision to close rocket ranges in the Hebrides.

During a visit to the Uist and Benbecula facilities, Finance Secretary John Swinney said it was vital the MoD changed its mind.

A total of 125 jobs could be lost if the closures go ahead.

The minister was holding talks with the task force set up to oppose the cuts, designed to make savings.

The jobs at the missile testing facilities in the Western Isles are under threat as a result of MoD and contractor QinetiQ's plans to make savings at the ranges.

We need additional time to properly investigate options which provide continued employment for those whose jobs are under threat William Roe Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The MoD announced the closures last month and in the wake of this a task force was set up to fight the cuts.

The plans affect four ranges and facilities on Benbecula, South Uist and St Kilda.

Mr Swinney said: "The case against these job cuts and the effect they would have on the Uists as remote island communities is compelling.

"Both at a local level and national level, the task force set up to push for alternative solutions is compiling strong evidence that this course of action is the wrong route to take."

Earlier this week, representatives of the task force, which includes members from the Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) and Highland and Islands Enterprise met with defence officials in London to ask for a further extension to the consultation period to give them a chance to make a stronger case against the cuts, but their request was turned down.

William Roe, chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: "The communities affected by this announcement are making a highly valuable contribution to QinetiQ's operations and possess some tremendous assets."