Prime Minister Boris Johnson rules out axing world famous Black Watch based at Fort George near Inverness
Boris Johnson has ruled out axing the Black Watch after a row has erupted over unconfirmed plans to dismantle the historic unit.
Fears were raised that the world-famous regiment, based at Fort George near Ardersier, was under threat as part of a new round of defence cuts.
It followed reports the UK government was planning to slash the Army by a quarter.
But the Prime Minister dismissed the idea of axing the Black Watch as he outlined a £16.5 billion boost to defence spending over the next four years.
Previously, SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald MP said it would be unconscionable for any government to scrap the historic Black Watch and would be a serious betrayal of all who serve and who had served in the past.
Related story: Row erupts over unconfirmed plans to dismantle world-famous Black Watch