Hundreds of millions of pounds is set to be invested in Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde.

An agreement has been signed between the UK Government, Royal Navy and Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership which will see the Naval Base developed as a Royal Navy Submarine Centre of Specialisation.

Overall, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signatories will work together to deliver infrastructure improvements, focusing on key themes set out in a Strategic Delivery and Development Framework (SDDF) including; education, economy, community facilities, communication, transportation and housing.

The construction phases are expected to support a further 1,000 contractor jobs, while staff numbers at HMNB Clyde will grow from 6,800 to 8,200.

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By completion, all UK attack submarines will be based in Argyll and Bute by 2020, with the eventual arrival of the Dreadnought class of ballistic submarines.

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: "The UK's entire submarine fleet will be based at Faslane by 2020. This will reinforce Scotland's vital role in protecting our country, and guarantee skilled, secure jobs on the Clyde for years to come.

"We must ensure this investment in the base is also a catalyst for growth and regeneration in the wider community. Today's agreement will deliver new housing and improved infrastructure, ensuring people in Argyll and Bute benefit directly from hosting the base."

Council Leader Dick Walsh added: "This agreement is about making the development of HMNB Clyde work for Navy personnel, their families and the communities in Argyll they will be joining.

"It's about delivering opportunities for new residents and local people to build happy, prosperous lives together. Helensburgh and its surrounding areas offer great benefits as a place to live, work and visit, and we very much look forward to welcoming new Navy friends and neighbours."

(LM)