Moray’s political and economic leaders breathed a sigh of relief last night as the UK Government confirmed the long-term future of Kinloss Barracks.
But council leader Stewart Cree demanded that people in the region never again be subjected to the worry they were forced to endure since fears were raised about the base’s closure in August.
Councillor Cree said: “We want confirmation that the uncertainty of the past few months will not be revisited on our communities and economy.
“We must work with a renewed sense of partnership with the Ministry of Defence if we are to progress our long-term economic plans for Moray, secure in the knowledge that both Lossiemouth and Kinloss will have an enduring role as military bases.”
Mr Cree, who was part of a taskforce established by the Moray Economic Partnership group, said he would now seek details about the MoD’s plans for the site.
He added that his delight at the confirmation of the Kinloss base’s future was “tinged with sadness” at the news that Fort George will close.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead praised the taskforce for its efforts in highlighting the importance of Kinloss Barracks to the area.
He added: “This is good news and a huge relief for the local community, after losing RAF Kinloss a few years ago in awful circumstances.
“The multi-agency Moray Economic Partnership deserves credit for the successful campaign to save the army presence.”
Moray MP Angus Robertson added: “The fact that the defence minister felt the need to specifically mention Kinloss shows that our joint efforts in Moray hit home.
“But it is obvious from both previous defence reviews and from the current process that we need to stay on our toes.”