The Royal Navy in Scotland
Scotland-based sailors and Royal Marines deliver protection from the most extreme threats to the UK and its allies by deploying the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, protecting home waters, supporting international maritime security, and providing bomb disposal expertise across Scotland and the north of England.
The Royal Navy in Scotland
The main role of Scotland’s HM Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde is to operate the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent, which it has safely and securely delivered, for over 50 years.
Sailing from Scotland, the Continuous at Sea Deterrent works every hour of every day to keep the UK and its allies safe from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life. 2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, making it the longest ongoing operation delivered by the United Kingdom.
As one of the largest employers in Scotland, HMNB Clyde is increasing the number of people employed on-site from 6,800 to 8,200 as the base transitions to the Single Integrated Operating Base and home of the Submarine Service.
It will welcome four new Dreadnought Class deterrent submarines, with the first entering service in the early 2030s. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its industry partners will continue to support and deliver ongoing investment in skills and infrastructure around the Continuous at Sea Deterrent.
Units currently based at HMNB Clyde include: Vanguard Class deterrent submarines; Astute Class and Trafalgar Class attack submarines; Mine Countermeasures Vessels; the Faslane patrol boat squadron; 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines; Fleet Operational Sea Training North; Northern Diving Group; Ministry of Defence Police; MOD Guard Service; NATO Submarine Rescue Service and the Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survivability (SMERAS) facility
45 Commando Royal Marines is based in Arbroath. The Royal Navy also has a small regional headquarters at MOD Caledonia which coordinates engagement and outreach activity with the Scottish Government, local authorities, businesses and other organisations across the country.
The Royal Naval Reserve has two units in Scotland: HMS Dalriada in Glasgow and HMS Scotia in Rosyth and Dundee. Royal Marines Reserve Scotland’s HQ is in Rosyth with detachments in Aberdeen, Belfast, Dundee, Glasgow and Newcastle.
More information
Find out more about defence and security in Scotland.