FOR the past 50 years, nuclear submarines have been a regular visitor to the Ayrshire coast.

The anniversary of the Faslane naval base, which houses the UK’s submarine fleet, was celebrated last week.

Faslane has also been a long-standing target for those campaigning against nuclear weapons.

Representative from both the military and civilians gathered at Faslane – Scotland’s largest military base – on May 10 to celebrate.

The Golden Anniversary for Scotland’s largest military locale was attended by Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB, ADC, the First Sea Lord.

The Admiral said: “I’m really pleased to attend this event and to share in the celebrations as we mark an important milestone in the life of HMS Neptune.

“I’d like to thank all those who work at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, whatever their role, for everything they have done and continue to do in support of this vital endeavour to ensure our nation’s security.”

Although there has been a Royal Navy presence on the Gareloch since the First World War, the Naval Base officially came into being on May 10, 1968, when HRH The Queen Mother opened the then HMS Neptune.

However, the chairman of Scottish CND, Irvine man Arthur West said: “Scottish CND and the wider Peace Movement in Scotland regard the 50th anniversary of the Faslane Naval base as a very depressing reminder that Scotland remains the home of all of Britain’s nuclear weapons

“Maintaining nuclear weapons at the base has cost millions of pounds over the years which could have been better spent on decent things like housing, education and health.

“As well as nuclear weapons being a waste of resources they are also irrelevant to the country’s defence and security needs.

“The comprehensive Government Defence and Security review of 2015 highlighted terrorism and cyber attacks as being the two major threats to the country. Nuclear weapons are absolutely useless in responding to these types of threats.”

Commodore Mark Gayfer, Naval Base Commander Clyde, said: “The Clyde has a proud maritime history and I am confident that the Naval Base and HMS Neptune will continue this tradition of world-class engineering and personnel support for another 50 years or more.”