A special meeting of the Moray Economic Partnership was held in Elgin today (Tuesday 23) to discuss the news that Kinloss Barracks are under threat as part of an MoD review.

A special meeting of the Moray Economic Partnership was held in Elgin today (Tuesday 23) to discuss the news that Kinloss Barracks are under threat as part of an MoD review.

In a statement following the meeting the Chair of the MEP, Cllr John Cowe, said that everyone was deeply disappointed that the MoD are reneging on their originalpromise to consult over the potential closure of the Kinloss Barracks.

He said: “We will fight to retain Kinloss as an army barracks as this was promised by the UK government in 2012.

“We will be contacting as a matter of urgency to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Scotland to seek clarification and assurances that the government will keep the promise made to Moray Council officers with regard to a public consultation.

“Personnel of 39 Engineer Regiment (Air Support) have fully integrated into our community, and we anticipated them staying with us following the last review.

“Closure of the Kinloss Barracks would have a huge impact on the local economy of the area, and we would expect the government to consult widely before coming to any decision- as they originally promised.”

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.