Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday continued his calls for the UK Government to keep open the RAF Air bases at Lossiemouth and Leuchars.
At the beginning of the week where decisions on future of the bases could be revealed, Alex Salmond called on the UK Government to listen to the arguments supporting the bases.
With RAF Kinloss already having closed, the First Minister stressed the importance of Lossiemouth and Leuchars to the economies of Moray and Fife.
He said: “There is still time for the UK Government to pay attention to the overwhelming evidence backing the retention of both Lossiemouth and Leuchars.
“I call on them, even at this late stage, to listen to the people of Moray and Fife and keep Scotland’s two remaining RAF bases. The secure and stable future of the RAF presence at Lossiemouth and Leuchars needs to be confirmed.”
Meanwhile, Scottish actor Kevin McKidd echoed the First Minister’s sentiments. The Elgin born star of star of Grey’s Anatomy, HBO’s Rome and the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting said: “Growing up near Lossiemouth I understand how important the base and the personnel are to the area.
“If RAF Lossiemouth is shut or the air force moved away it will be a disaster to my home area. Closing nearby RAF Kinloss has been bad enough, but the impact of a double RAF base cut is unimaginable.”
The final decision of the future of the air bases is expected before the Westminster Parliament rises for summer recess on the 19th of July.