The home of the Black Watch battalion could become a victim of the latest round of defence cuts, an MSP has claimed.

Fort George is one of a number of sites being considered for closure by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), according to Keith Brown.

Mr Brown has written to defence secretary Michael Farron, warning that shutting Fort George would have "huge significance in Scotland".

The SNP politician said it would also have "considerable practical consequences for the Scottish Government".

The MoD, one of the UK's biggest landowners, aims to reduce the size of its estate by 30% over the next four years as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Fort George was considered for closure during the last round of defence cuts in 2011.

In his letter, Mr Brown said: "I was deeply disappointed to learn that Fort George, the home of the Black Watch, is at risk in the latest round of MoD reforms.

"Any decision for the Army to vacate the site would have huge significance in Scotland. There are also considerable practical consequences for the Scottish Government.

"Fort George is operated by Historic Environment Scotland, under a scheme of delegation from Scottish Ministers who retain ultimate responsibility for the site.

"This decision, if taken, would have a major impact on our ability to maintain the site."

He added: "I also anticipate significant questions from the Scottish public about what such a decision might mean for the future of the Black Watch.

"Successive defence reviews have seen the Scottish regiments decimated and I would like to seek assurances that the status and personnel of the Black Watch will not be downgraded."

The MoD said it would not comment on Fort George's status until the result of the Strategic Defence and Security review is revealed in the Autumn.

Fort George was built following the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and has been in in continuous use as Army garrison for nearly 250 years.