Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Armed forces to launch ‘Gap Year’ scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, how many positions will be available in (a) Scotland and (b) Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘gap year’) is a response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society.

We anticipate that Foundation Year placements will be allocated to Defence locations based on the roles participants conduct. These details have not yet been finalised. There will be flexibility for the Services to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer most value to both participants and Defence.