THE UK Defence Secretary announced this afternoon that MoD Caledonia in Rosyth is set to be disposed of by 2022.

The closure is part of a defence review carried out by the Ministry of Defence in which the UK Government will sell off 56 defence sites by 2040.

A total of eight sites across Scotland are to close under the plans.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Scotland plays a crucial role across our Armed Forces. Investing in better bases enables us to enhance the major investments we are making in planes, ships and submarines that will be based in Scotland. This plan will deliver better employment opportunities for service families, more stable schooling for their children and make it easier for them to buy their own homes.”

The decision is part of a long-term strategy to deliver a more efficient, modern and capability-focused defence estate.

Sir Michael said it was part of a package deal of more than £4bn of investment before adding that the changes would provide stability for military families by reducing the number of staff being moved between bases.