Upgrading Leuchars into the army’s hub in Scotland would bring a massive economic boost to the local area, according to a politician who has seen such benefits unfold in northern England.
Simon Young, the councillor for Catterick in Yorkshire, has seen the region he represents benefit from a massive influx of personnel and their families.
Catterick Garrison is the largest British Army garrison in the world with a population of around 13,000.
The population there is expected to grow to more than 25,000 by 2020 under Ministry of Defence plans.
It is expected that 700 jobs will be created by the additional infrastructure required for the area.
Calls have been made for a similar upgrade to Fife’s former air base.
Leuchars, now home to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, is expected to expand over the next 15 years to accommodate units from Forthside Stirling and DSG Stirling.
It has also been speculated that other regiments may be relocated to Fife as part of the UK Government’s review of defence bases across the country.
Both of north-east Fife’s MP and MSP, the SNP’s Stephen Gethins and Willie Rennie of the Liberal Democrats, have backed the call.
Mr Young, who represents the Conservatives, said: “There are a lot of things that have happened that we would not have had if we didn’t have the Ministry of Defence in the area: the cinema, the hotel, the shops.
“There’s a big sense of pride (in the locally-based military).
“We have our parish council meeting and the quartermaster comes.
“If we have an event we put out adverts to get the army along.
“Absolutely, the community is proud of them. I wouldn’t know who is in the army or who is a villager it’s that natural.”
Catterick Leisure Centre is a purpose built complex, which opened in July 2009.
In 2013 a £25 million development scheme for a new “town centre” was unveiled, to be built on a former sports ground, owned by the MoD.
The plan includes space for retail outlets, a cinema, a 60-bedroom hotel and several dining establishments and bars.
Village economy “dead” since RAF left
Upgrading Leuchars to Scotland’s main army base could help revitalise the village’s “dead” economy, according to a local businessman.
Fred Stuart has previously told of his struggle to keep his pub, the Commercial Arms, going in the current financial climate.
He welcomed any potential increase in the number of people living locally, as would be the case through service personnel and their families if the base was to be upgraded.
Mr Stuart said: “Right at the beginning, when they decided to pull the RAF out, the Ministry of Defence led us to believe there would be no change in the structure of the village.
“That was complete rubbish
“The army is not like the RAF. They don’t spend the same money. Anything that can be done to bring more people in would be welcome.
“It’s dead at the weekend here.
“All it is is a waiting game. We have to bide our time and wait for the good times to come back.
“Anything that could bring people into the village would be welcome.”
Mr Stuart has previously described how business in the village had dropped since the RAF started leaving the Leuchars base.
