Moray Economic Partnership welcomes Kinloss announcement
On behalf of Moray Economic Partnership Kinloss Group, Councillor Stewart Cree said: “We are extremely pleased to see the Ministry of Defence has had the foresight to recognise both the military value and wider potential of their base at Kinloss Barracks.
“The 130 civilians employed at the base will be greatly relieved at this announcement, as will the men and women of 39 Engineer Regiment (Air Support), who are well integrated into our community.
“We will now seek further information from the Ministry of Defence as to their future plans for utilisation of this important base and also confirmation that the uncertainty of the past few months will not be revisited on our communities and economy for the foreseeable future.
“We look forward to a resumption of the consultative conversations that have been enjoyed since 2012 between the MoD and local authority, but which were abruptly halted whilst the footprint review was being drawn to a conclusion.Indeed, for the well-being of the Ministry of Defence personnel and their families, as well as the 130 civilians employed at the site, 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 in Moray.
“Our relief is undoubtedly tinged with sadness at the news that the Barracks at Fort George has been identified for disposal.Having been through the draw down and closure process ourselves, we have seen the economic impact which these decisions can have and sympathise greatly with Highland Council and the difficult road that now lies ahead for both their community and the Inverness economy.We will offer them our support in the process which will now follow, sharing lessons we have learned.”
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.