Condor to stay but airfield will be sold

Arbroath has breathed a sigh of relief after RM Condor was spared being completely wiped out in a defence shakeup according to the local MSP.

The base will remain open, although the Ministry of Defence intends to sell off the airfield as part of its disposal of MOD assets.

The airfield was opened in 1940 and was latterly used by 662 Volunteer Gliding Squadron which provided training for Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force for 61 years.

The gliding squadron was disbanded in March along with several other VGS across the UK as part of a restructure.

Angus SNP MP Mike Weir said: “It is clearly good news that, unlike other bases in Scotland, there is no plan at present to close.

“The proposal to sell off the airfield will, however, considerably reduce the size of the base and I will be seeking assurances from the minister that this will not adversely affect the future use of the base and the ability to deploy units from it.

“I hope that should the sale proceed the MoD will make every effort to ensure it creates an economic benefit to Arbroath.”

It had been widely speculated that 45 Commando could also be shifted away from Tayside and moved out of Scotland altogether.

The group was kept in Arbroath at the 11th hour during a military base review in 2013.

Former Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the Royal Marines, who have been there since 1971, would not leave if the UK “remains together” in the run up to the independence referendum.

His successor, Perthshire-born Sir Michael Fallon, echoed those assurances.

However, the future basing of 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery Royal Artillery remains under review.

It is understood the battery will be relocating from RM Condor to Plymouth after more than 40 years serving alongside 45 Commando.

The army previously said an announcement will be made later in the year.

The move to Plymouth was due to take place in May but was put on hold as it is understood there were difficulties with married quarters.