Scottish Conservative MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith have expressed their delight at the UK Government announcing defence spending of £16.5 billion, which will provide a huge boost to shipbuilding in Rosyth.

The announcement came on the same day that Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that The Black Watch’s future is secure – a move warmly welcomed by the politicians, who both represent the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

A massive cash injection of £16.5 billion will be provided by the UK Government over four years - the biggest investment in the UK’s Armed Forces since the end of the Cold War. The investment will modernise the Armed Forces to enable the UK to defend itself against future threats, while cementing Britain’s role as a leader in NATO and stimulating thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK.

Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “The announcement from Number 10 that The Black Watch will be going nowhere is great news and will be warmly welcomed in Tayside and Fife. The suggestion that they might disband caused great concern in many quarters, so it will come as a great relief that this rumour has been put to bed so quickly.

“And we also heard of the massive defence investment from the UK Government, which will see a new generation of shipbuilding for the Royal Navy with work on the Type 31 frigates, thus securing highly skilled jobs at Rosyth and providing an economic boost for the whole area.”

And Liz Smith added: “The announcement by Number 10 that The Black Watch will not be going anywhere is very welcome news indeed. The suggestion made earlier this week that the famous regiment might be axed due to Armed Forces cuts caused great concern and anxiety across Tayside and Fife.

“The Black Watch plays a vital role in our Armed Forces and has historic ties in Tayside and Fife, so the announcement that its future is secured will be warmly welcomed.

“Meanwhile, it was good to see the UK Government commit to defence spending to counter the growing threat of cyber-terrorism.”