Alistair Darling has been attacked by MPs over the government's plan to reform and possibly scrap regiments such as the Black Watch.

Scottish regiments are among those earmarked for merger or closure as part of a Ministry of Defence's review of the army's structure.

In questions to the Scotland secretary MPs called on Darling to do more to stand up to the defence secretary and fight for the survival of historic regiments.

The fate of the Black Watch is particularly sensitive as their troops are now being sent into the more dangerous American controlled sector of Iraq.

Conservative MP Peter Atkinson said there was real "outrage at the treatment of the Black Watch" and urged the government to think again about reforms.

Darling replied that he understood the sensitivities surrounding the issues, and added that no final decision had been taken.

He added that although more money was going into defence, changes in the security situation in Northern Ireland had meant that restructuring was necessary.

"I am very concerned about the reorganisation of the Scottish regiments and I hope the sensitivities will be taken into account," he added.

He was supported by Labour MP George Foulkes who attacked the "uninformed campaign" by sections of the media and the SNP.

Darling said: "It's worth remembering that if the SNP had their way there would be no British Army, Royal Navy or RAF."

Energy

The Scotland secretary was also questioned by MPs on the future of energy in Scotland given that North Sea oil and gas supplies are now declining.

Darling said that the government was keeping open the prospect of expanding the use of nuclear power.

Speaking in response to a question on the issue from Hamilton South MP Bill Tynan, Darling said: "It is important that we keep all our options open, whether that is in using more renewables or in nuclear power.

"Scotland's two current nuclear power stations still have a considerable life ahead of them and it is important to maintain a consistent supply."

However SNP leader Alex Salmond said his party would not follow the government down the "nuclear road" and said some Scots were being "discriminated against" by being made to pay more for power than in England.

Darling dismissed the attack and said the payment system was already being reformed.

The shadow secretary of state for Scotland, Peter Duncan, criticised the "rush" to develop wind farms in rural areas and called for more careful consideration.

Darling replied that planning was devolved to the Scottish executive and that he supported the development of renewable energy.