The Fife and Tayside economy may already have been damaged by speculation over the future of RAF Leuchars, it is claimed.
First Minister Alex Salmond said there is “strong evidence” to suggest continuing uncertainty over the future of the base and RAF Lossiemouth in Moray is having a “negative impact” on surrounding areas.
He was speaking following a meeting with defence secretary Liam Fox in which he pressed the case for retaining both axe-threatened bases.
A major campaign has been launched to retain the Fife base, which employs 1560 service personnel and 220 civilian staff.
Meanwhile, a 31,000-strong petition in support of Lossiemouth was delivered to Downing Street on Tuesday.
The UK Government’s defence review saw RAF Kinloss, which is also in Moray, earmarked for closure and a question mark put over the future of RAF Lossiemouth.
But leaked reports from the Ministry of Defence later suggested RAF Leuchars could be sacrificed to save the second Moray base.
Mr Salmond demanded clarity on exactly what was being planned.
He said, “The people of Moray and Fife have been pleading with the MoD and UK Government for clarity on this issue for months but to no avail.
“I share their concerns about how the process is being handled, especially as Scotland has already suffered due to the cancellation of the Nimrod contract which was a hammer blow for the people of Moray.”‘Disappointing’ responseHe claimed the Scottish Government had already taken “decisive action” to help cope with the fall out of the decision.
Mr Salmond said, “The response from London to date has been very disappointing.
“There is strong evidence to suggest that the uncertainty and speculation surrounding Scotland’s bases is already starting to have a negative impact on the local economies.”
He added, “Of course tough decisions are unavoidable in the challenging financial climate, but they must be proportionate and fair.
“The UK Government needs to wake up to the fact that there are far-reaching consequences for Moray and Fife at stake.
Mr Salmond said, “Following the lack of transitional support for those employed at RAF Kinloss, we need assurances that a substantial increase to the UK Rapid Response Fund will be forthcoming.”
However Labour’s Ann McKechin suggested the SNP Government may be favouring RAF Lossiemouth as Moray is represented by a nationalist MSP and MP whereas north-east Fife is a Lib Dem stronghold.
She said, “The case made by Moray and Fife residents to protect the bases in Scotland is very strong and should be listened to.
“Of course a separate Scotland would have no RAF bases at all, so the SNP need to stand up for both bases not just ones in areas they represent.”
An MoD spokesman said, “The SDSR (Strategic Defence Spending Review) concluded that Kinloss and two other bases will not be required by the RAF.
“No decisions have been made on which bases, or on any future use.”