The key to securing the long-term future of Kinloss army barracks could lie in transforming it into a “multi-use” site with space for businesses.
Although Kinloss was saved in a Ministry of Defence spending that saw the end of eight bases across Scotland, including Fort George, there are concerns that the base could be vulnerable to closure in any future cuts.
And Moray Council leader Stewart Cree says the best way to prevent the military base from being considered for closure in the future is to make the most of its 178 acres.
Yesterday, the local authority boss revealed that he had discussed methods of ensuring the Army remains in Moray for the long haul with the UK Government’s Scottish Secretary, David Mundell.
Mr Mundell telephoned Mr Cree on Monday, hours before the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Kinloss had been spared the axe as part of a spending review.
Mr Cree said: “We don’t want to be in a position where we have to worry about the base facing closure whenever such a review is announced.
“I’m satisfied we have the indication that Kinloss is being maintained, but I’d like to see it augmented now.
“I was heartened when David Mundell called me and spoke about Kinloss having potential as a multi-use site.
“We can’t leave it with so much spare capacity, that will leave the barracks open to threats of closure again in the future.”
Mr Cree explained that the site, which spent decades as an RAF station, occupies more space than is necessary for the 700 personnel attached to the 39 Engineer Regiment based there.
He added: “Adapting the barracks for multiple uses could mean that the Army is able to expand its numbers there, and we could also have some commercial development on the land.
“There’s also the possibility that, with additional resources coming to RAF Lossiemouth, Kinloss could play a really useful role in offering more elbow room if required.”
Concerns grew that Kinloss could be closed in August, when it emerged that the Ministry of Defence had spoken with Moray Council about possible alternate uses for the site.
The barracks brings Moray £30million every year, and the possibility of its disposal was fiercely opposed by local political and economic leaders.
The Kinloss Army Barracks task-force, a group established especially by the Moray Economic Partnership to fight for the base, will now investigate how to bolster the barracks.
Moray MP, Angus Robertson, welcomed the UK Government’s willingness to explore wider uses for the land.
He added: “This is something that has been pushed for by local agencies and myself over the years, with the possibility of siting a spaceport in Moray and the potential for industrial development of part of the base.
“With more certainty now in place, we can look to build on these efforts to diversify our local economy and attract further investment and high quality jobs to Moray.”
Mr Robertson said he hoped infrastructure improvements – such as the dualling of the A96 – would help entice businesses looking to expand into the region.
A spokeswoman for the MoD added that the Kinloss barracks “will continue to be retained and used by the Army”.
