Vigilance can report that Service personnel attached to HM Naval Base in Clyde will soon be enjoying the best possible accommodation as £31.5 million is invested in improving facilities across the base, Defence Minister Andrew Murrison announced yesterday. It will provide new accommodation for personnel working and serving their country at HM Naval Base in Clyde, which is the largest employment site in Scotland supporting 6,700 military and civilian jobs, increasing to 8,200 by 2022.
According to a source at MoD the new funding was revealed as the Defence Minister for International Security Strategy visited Scotland to meet defence stakeholders and to take the salute at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, adding the announcement would increase the number of bed spaces on Clyde base by around 600 to support its role as the home of the UK submarine fleet.
Vigilance learnt this £31.5 million investment in Clyde demonstrates the Government’s commitment to Scotland and builds on a series of significant investments. the source said these included £100 million to create new and improved Army accommodation and facilities across Scotland and £85 million for development of RAF Lossiemouth. It is said the funding is also in addition to the £140 million the Ministry of Defence spends on average maintaining the defence estate in Scotland.
The Minister for International Security Strategy, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “This new funding is a clear and visible sign of our commitment to Scotland and its continued vital role in the defence of the UK. The total number of Armed Forces personnel in Scotland is increasing and I want to ensure that they get the best possible accommodation and facilities. These substantial investments could not be guaranteed under an independent Scotland so it is clear we are safer and more secure together as a United Kingdom.”