A RECORD-BREAKING £26bn defence investment could transform Scotland’s military infrastructure over the next decade as part of the largest naval upgrade programme since the Cold War.

The Ministry of Defence said the funding will secure thousands of skilled jobs, with HMNB Clyde earmarked for major modernisation, while an additional £240m will sustain operations at RAF Lossiemouth.

Further investments include the purchase of the Finnart Oil Terminal on the west coast and a £20m injection to revitalise a major dry dock at the Inchgreen Marine Park on the River Clyde.

HMNB Clyde, also known as Faslane, is Scotland’s largest military establishment and home to the UK’s nuclear deterrent. It will undergo extensive upgrades, including new docking ports, training facilities, engineering infrastructure, and living accommodation for personnel.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander called Scotland “crucial” to UK defence.

At RAF Lossiemouth, multi-million-pound contracts have been awarded to Boeing Defence UK to sustain maritime patrol and early warning aircraft fleets.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said: “The threats facing the United Kingdom are real and they are growing. We are acting now to ensure our Royal Navy has the bases and infrastructure it needs to be ready to fight.

“This £26bn investment is the largest in our naval bases since the Cold War, and Scotland is central to it. Clyde is critical to our nation’s defence.

“This investment is securing thousands of jobs up and down the country and strengthening our Armed Forces for the challenges of today and the future.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander added: “Scotland is crucial to UK defence and this £15.3bn funding for some of our most critical military assets will make Britain safer at home, stronger abroad and deliver a defence dividend for Scottish communities.

“As home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the UK’s nuclear deterrent, Faslane – Scotland’s largest military establishment and second-biggest employment site with over 6,500 military and civilian personnel – will be transformed with £15.1bn funding into a modern, more efficient base, future-proofed for war-fighting.

“This, along with a further £240m being confirmed to keep RAF Lossiemouth-based aircraft mission ready, means we are investing in the capabilities, infrastructure and people that keep us and our allies safe, while creating and supporting jobs and driving economic growth across Scotland for years to come.”