RAF Bases Moray

There has been much speculation over the last few years as to the future of the RAF bases in Moray with demonstrations and petitions trying to keep both the bases open. RAF Kinloss has been here for 70 years and RAF Lossiemouth was built in 1938/39 for WWII, then becoming a naval base from 1946 – 1972 and then back to an RAF base until the present day. Both these bases bring in millions of pounds of revenue to the local economy and if they were to close would devastate the area with many businesses not being sustainable. In 2010 it was decided to close RAF Kinloss with the loss of many jobs for the civilians employed there, this left the question whether the government would also close Lossiemouth, with all the uncertainty this had a detrimental effect on the local economy.

There was a support group set up to save RAF Lossiemouth. The group staged a march, a rally, handed in a petition to Downing Street with 30,000 signatures and met with David Cameron, this received worldwide media coverage and support. It was decided on July 18th 2011 to keep RAF Lossiemouth open much to the relief of the people of Moray, but unfortunately RAF Leuchars is to close instead. Some of the personnel and equipment from RAF Leuchars are to be relocated to RAF Lossiemouth this will in effect bring more people into the area. Sadly RAF Kinloss closed on 31st July 2011 and all RAF personnel will be away by 2014. The fight to save RAF Lossiemouth won the award for Public Campaign of the Year 2011.

The Moray Economic Partnership was set up to support and help new and existing businesses in the area deal with problems arising from this news. The people of Moray are resilient and are rising to the challenge ensuring that Moray is open for business. The good news is that in the summer of 2012 39 Engineer Regiment will be relocating to Kinloss and bringing a much sought after boost to the economy.

The Park House Business Centre will be opening in early 2012 offering serviced office space, virtual offices, meeting rooms and café which could help a new business start up without the overheads you would normally face.