RAF chiefs have forced search and rescue heroes to scrap plans for a farewell party to mark their four decades of lifesaving service.
The Lossiemouth-based crews had planned a goodbye bash to say than you to locals and other emergency services for their support over the years.
But they have been ordered to cancel the gathering – amid fears it could be used to turn the UK Government’s decision to privatise search and rescue (SAR) into a political football in the run-up to the general election.
The decision was branded “crass” and “nonsense” last night.
Members of 202 Squadron, D Flight Search and Rescue had planned to hold the party at The Drouthy Cobbler bar in Elgin.
It would have marked the permanent grounding of the RAF’s iconic yellow Sea King helicopters.
The UK’s SAR helicopter contract was awarded to Bristow Helicopters in 2013, and the US company will take over lifesaving missions on April 1.
In a statement, 202 Squadron said: “It is with the utmost regret that we have to inform you all that D Flt has been ordered to cancel the event at the Drouthy Cobbler.
“Please be aware that we are still eternally grateful for all the support we have received from you all over the decades and we wish you all the best for the future.”
An RAF spokesman said the decision was made within the SAR Force amid concerns that huge public interest in the event would conflict with purdah – the period immediately before elections when the activity of civil servants is restricted.
However, ex-personnel and Moray MP Angus Robertson rubbished claims that the event, planned for April 3, would have been at all political.
Former RAF mountain rescue team leader David “Heavy” Whalley, who was made an MBE for nearly 40 years of service, said he was baffled by the decision.
He said: “I spent a very happy 37 years in the military, and I know how it works, but I think someone has done a really bad PR job.
“There’s a lot of good people upset, but, not just in Moray, all over the Highlands.
“The military upsets a few people, but they are great here. Everybody loves the SAR crews.
“They are fantastic for what they do, but somebody made the decision high up here, and they them want to skulk away quietly.
“It’s just nonsense that they can’t go away and have a farewell in the area they are loved. It’s a shambles. This was not a political gesture.
“The SAR should be able to go out as the well-respected and well-loved organisation it is.”
Mr Robertson said: “It is a great shame that the Moray community are being denied the opportunity to personally thank personnel from 202 Sqn D Flt Search and Rescue.
“This apparent order from the chain of command adds insult to the injury caused by a widely opposed privatisation of this vital service.
“There is massive respect from the public in Moray and right across Scotland for the RAF and especially for D Flight, with the familiar yellow Sea King regularly seen in the air heading to challenging rescues in the North Sea, in the Cairngorms and further afield.
“It is crass and inexplicable to prevent this being marked and the gratitude we share being properly expressed.”
Former SAR winchman Gordon Watt has started an online petition to reinstate the event, which has reached more than 1,200 signatures.
The 35-year-old, who now lives in Australia, said: “Not allowing the professional and dedicated men and women of the RAF SAR force to have a celebration at their local pub, marking the closure of their unit, is frankly ridiculous.
“The men and women in question perhaps cannot speak openly of this, however, those who can should speak for them.”
An RAF spokesman said: “The SAR Force had concerns regarding the timing (purdah) and the extensive list of invitees at a proposed public event, leading to a decision being made by the SAR Force to change the format of the event.
“Work is underway to ascertain if an alternative event can be held on-base for invited guests with a separate event for the families of SAR personnel.”