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Army pledge
on future of base at RAF Kinloss
A communication channel has been opened between Moray Economic Partnership (MEP) and the man responsible in Scotland for identifying the future set-up of bases for the Armed Services.
Brigadier George Lowder met with MEP Chair Jim Royan and Moray Council Convener George McIntyre in Stirling on Wednesday.
At the MEP Board meeting this morning the business, private and public sector representatives heard that the senior officer, who toured RAF Kinloss in August, had commented on the high quality of the base. He had also said that there was a ‘high awareness’ of the impact that any gap between the departure of the RAF and the arrival of the Army would create.
Jim Royan, chair of MEP, said: “Creating the initial contact was very important in our aim to ensure that the Moray community can have its say at all stages of the transition. We’re very pleased that the Brigadier has offered an open line to his team for ongoing strategic discussion.”
At the meeting, Brigadier Lowder confirmed earlier indications that the timescale for the Army coming to Kinloss was between March 2013 and April 2014. Further details may be available during December, with more specific decisions on who will be coming in the Spring of 2012.
Other matters discussed included information on a ‘community covenant’, a £30 million fund available across the UK over the next four years. It is designed to assist areas where the army is being introduced to carry out relevant community projects.
Mr Royan added: “In addition to opening the channels with the Brigadier we have also made contact with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). It is their job to manage the military estate on behalf of the MOD. A meeting is being scheduled later in the month.”
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