The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the historic army base at Fort George is to close by 2032.

Fort George and Kinloss Barracks had both been considered for closure in the latest round of cuts, with eight sites in Scotland now earmarked for closure.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon announced on Tuesday that Fort George at Ardersier near Inverness would be closed as an active barracks in 16 years' time.

Other Scottish sites to be hit by the cuts include Glencorse Barracks near Penicuik, Midlothian, Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh.

Naval base MoD Caledonia in Rosyth, Condor Airfield in Angus, Craigiehall Barracks in Edinburgh and Forthside Barracks in Stirling have also fallen victim to the cuts.

Kinloss in Moray, however, will remain operational for the foreseeable future.

Up to 1600 jobs at Fort George are at stake with news of the government's decision, while the future of the site itself remains unclear.

Soldiers currently stationed at the barracks will be moved to other sites across Scotland, while Fallon suggested the downsizing strategy could provide land to build up to 55,000 houses across the country.

In total, MoD plans to down-scale the defence estate will lead to the closure of 56 sites across the country - eight in Scotland.

UK Government estimates put total savings at up to £140m, which will be reinvested at remaining army bases.

Speaking in parliament, Fallon said: "Our defence estate is vital but it is also vast. While the size and structure of our forces have changed to meet difference threats, our estate has failed to adapt.

"Since the beginning of this year, I have announced plans to dispose of 35 of our most costly sites. Today, based upon advice from the chiefs of staff, I am announcing the release of a further 56 sites by 2040."

He added: "In Scotland, this strategy will result in investment being concentrated into fewer, better, locations.

"Our proposals will release eight sites over the next 15 years. We will invest in main centres of specialisation.

"Contrary to some speculation and unnecessary scaremongering, Kinloss will be retained."

He continued: "Fort George is a very old barracks, costs £1.6m a year to run, is extremely expensive to upgrade and is not appropriate for a modern infantry unit."

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the closure of eight of Scotland's 22 military facilities is a "huge blow" for the country.

He said: "These brutal cuts spell the near total removal of the Army from large parts of Scotland and the end of the Royal Navy's presence in Fife.

"It is deeply distressing to witness the announcement to close truly historic sites, such as Glencorse, home to the Army for almost 150 years, and Fort George, a garrison for almost 250 years.

"The decision to cut these historic ties will be met with understandable anger in Fife, Midlothian, the Highlands and throughout Scotland. These cuts will have far-reaching economic and social impacts, placing jobs at risk, both directly and indirectly.

"Despite our best efforts, the UK Government has continually refused to engage with the Scottish Government ahead of these decisions being taken.

"It is vital that we now understand what this means in terms of personnel numbers and I call on the MoD to guarantee that Army units are not further diminished or moved out of Scotland altogether.

"Scottish ministers and local communities have clearly set out our opposition to these cuts - it is deeply disappointing that Scotland's views have not been taken on board."

Under the current arrangement, Fort George is managed by the MoD in conjunction with Scottish Government agency Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Due to the size of the site, stretching over the size of five football pitches, HES has voiced concerns about its ability to maintain its future upkeep without MoD funding.

Fort George has been in continuous operation since its completion in 1757 and currently houses the Black Watch regiment.