The military will almost certainly retain a presence in Leuchars although whether it survives as an RAF base remains to be seen.
During a visit on Tuesday, armed forces minister Nick Harvey gave the strongest hint yet that, should the RAF be withdrawn, army units returning from Germany could be housed on the site.
Mr Harvey declared himself “very impressed” by the set-up at Leuchars and appeared to rule out its complete closure.
However the precise details of its future use remain a mystery.
Following a meeting with RAF Leuchars officials and community campaigners fighting for the base’s retention, Mr Harvey told The Courier he “understands” local concerns and those of Fife Council officials who warn closure would cost the region around £60 million and 2000 jobs.
Mr Harvey was at pains to point out that, with army units to return, there were a number of options open to the MoD.
“I completely understand the community affection for the RAF in Leuchars and the anxiety about the possible economic consequences closure would have,” he said.
“If a decision were taken to pull the RAF out of Leuchars and I stress again no such decisions have yet been taken t would be hugely likely that an alternative defence use would be found for the site.
“Therefore some economic concerns that have been flagged up would be alleviated.”
Mr Harvey said he was impressed by the commitment of RAF staff and campaigners.
“I have heard from RAF personnel and members of the local community…and there is clearly a very good relationship between the two,” he added.
“The close relationship is something that is very welcome.”
“We are very grateful to the local community for their support for the RAF at Leuchars and we appreciate that RAF personnel do a brilliant job,” Mr Harvey added.
He said the strategic defence and security review had come to the “regrettable” conclusion that the status quo throughout Britain was unsustainable.
He repeatedly claimed no decision had been taken on which bases to axe but admitted the need to find sites for returning army units would be a consideration.
“It is inevitable that there will be speculation and obviously there are competing claims from different parts of the country,” the minister continued.
“No decisions have yet been taken but we are planning for the return of 20,000 army personnel over the next few years and that makes this review a complicated piece of work.”
North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell said those fighting for the retention of RAF Leuchars were “encouraged” by their meeting with Mr Harvey.
“This was an outstanding opportunity to allow the minister to see at first hand the facilities at Leuchars and to hear the rational defence and economic arguments put forward so eloquently by the local community,” he continued. “The minister yet again stated that no decision has been taken and that the opportunity to make the case for Leuchars remains open.
“The task force will take every opportunity to do so between now and the announcement of the decision.”
Carroll Finnie, chairwoman of Leuchars community council and the woman who has spearheaded the campaign to save Leuchars, spoke to The Courier following the community meeting with the armed forces minister.
“Mr Harvey told us that all options are still open,” she said. “We put forward a very strong case for keeping the RAF in Leuchars and he listened to what we had to say very carefully.”
North East Fife MSP Iain Smith said it had been an “important day,” both for RAF Leuchars personnel and the community.
“This was a good opportunity for the local community to explain just why the RAF is so important to Leuchars,” he added.