More than 50 Ministry of Defence sites are set to close across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The announcement is the biggest yet in the shake-up of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate.

The historic sites of Fort George in Scotland and Brecon Barracks in Wales are among the sites due to be disposed of by the Government.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon told MPs the closures would deliver better value for money and release land for up to 55,000 houses to be built.

But an SNP defence spokesman condemned the plans saying the Government was "savaging" Scotland.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon. Credit: PA

Sir Michael told the Commons: "This strategy looks ahead to 2040 to provide a better defence estate.

"An estate that supports a more efficient and effective military capability; an estate that gives our armed forces a world class base from which to work, and an estate that helps defence keep Britain safe and to promote our prosperity.

"I can confirm that the MoD now has firm plans to achieve its target to release sufficient lands to build up to 55,000 houses in this Parliament."

In Scotland, eight sites will be released over the next 15 years with investment focused in specialised centres on Lossiemouth, Faslane and Leuchars.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate currently covers nearly 2% of the UK's land area.

Sir Michael said it costs £2.5 billion a year to maintain, and 40% of the MoD's built assets are more than 50 years old.

It is hoped selling the sites could save £140 million of running costs over the next decade.