The structure of the Territorial Army in Fife is to change dramatically under UK Government restructuring.
Kirkcaldy’s historic centre at Hunter Street is to close while the Scottish Transport Regiment headquarters in Dunfermline will have its two sites amalgamated under Ministry of Defence plans.
MoD sources said there will still be a major presence in west Fife despite the loss of Bothwell House, with the transport HQ being based over the road at Bruce House.
The Courier has also learned Dunfermline will benefit, with a new sub unit, 239 Transport Squadron, to be raised in the town.
Kirkcaldy’s artillery unit will be co-located at Montrose Road TA Centre, Arbroath, while the Platoon of D Coy, 7 SCOTS, will be relocated to Dundee. Army Reserve units located in other areas of Fife will be unaffected.
The changes, announced yesterday by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, were described by the SNP as a “dog’s breakfast” but military sources said Scotland would still be well represented.
MoD insiders countered SNP claims there was a higher cut compared to Scotland’s population share, which stands at around 8.5%, by saying 12% of all reservists and 15% of all TA centres would be based north of the border by 2018.