SNP fights to save Scottish regiments

The Scottish National Party has highlighted its commitment to saving the Scottish army regiments from a planned merger.

The party has pledged to keep Scotland’s six historic regiments and make their maintenance a priority.

It also challenged the Conservative record on the regiments, reminding voters that in the 1990s the Conservative government scrapped Gordon Highlanders and Queen’s own Highlanders.

Speaking on Monday, SNP leader Alex Salmond said the party was putting the fight to save the regiments at the heart of the its election campaign.

"Scottish infantry soldiers are the best in the world, and much of their success is due to the link between our historic regiments and the communities they serve. That link cannot be severed," Salmond said.

On the Conservatives' time in government, he said hey "can't be trusted save anything".

And Salmond accused the current government of "failing our regiments".

"At a time of increased global insecurity and military overstretch we need their skills and expertise like never before," said the nationalist leader.

"It was a disgrace that just as the government was placing our troops in the line of fire in Iraq it was planning to stab them in the back at home."

"Only the SNP can be trusted to stand up for Scotland's historic regiments," he added.