Kyle and Raasay weapons sites announcement due soon

The UK defence secretary has said that he expects to make an announcement soon on the future of underwater weapons testing sites in the Highlands.

Submarine weapons systems are tested off the Kyle of Lochalsh and in the Sound of Raasay.

In 2009, the Ministry of Defence and its contractor QinetiQ proposed cutting 20 posts linked to the ranges.

Liberal Democrat MP Charles Kennedy had sought fresh assurances over jobs from minister Philip Hammond.

Mr Kennedy said his question in the House of Commons on Monday was prompted by recent favourable profit margins announced by QinetiQ.

The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber asked for assurances on the long-term future of the sites.