St Andrews University has added its voice to the fight to save Fife’s RAF station, warning of the potential for irrevocable damage locally and nationally were the base to close.
Concerned about the impact of the potential withdrawal of the RAF from Leuchars, St Andrews University has joined the long list of organisations and individuals attempting to stave off the threat from Ministry of Defence spending cuts.
The university fears the loss of RAF personnel in the region or any reduction in the services of the base would do profound and irrecoverable damage to local communities, the local economy and wider Scotland and UK interests.
In a message of support for the task force leading the campaign to keep the RAF in Leuchars, the university’s quaestor and factor Derek Watson said, “Leuchars is a unique and indelible part of the fabric and history of north-east Fife.
“The economic and social benefits it has brought to generations of people in Fife and further afield are inarguable.
“It is important, however, that due consideration is given to the often overlooked fact that RAF Leuchars is more than a highly effective and key element of the UK’s air defences.”
Mr Watson said RAF Leuchars shared a bond of common interest with the university.
“Each of us has come to rely on the other for mutual benefit. In many cases, our staff who work in St Andrews have partners or family members who work at Leuchars.
“Leuchars and the university have been responsible for attracting new talent, new opportunity and new industry to Fife and Scotland.
“We share a common interest in research and the advancement of science and potential spin-offs in the aerospace industry.
“St Andrews students continue to benefit from a long and mutually nourishing relationship with Leuchars via the Air Training Corps.”
The university recently bought the former Curtis Fine Paper Mill at Guardbridge near RAF Leuchars, and Mr Watson said plans were being developed for a renewable energy centre which it hoped would be used by the air base to offset its own energy costs.
He added, “The university believes that the strategic defence, economic and social arguments in favour of the retention and continued investment in RAF Leuchars are overwhelming and we add our voice to the thousands of individuals and organisations who have already declared their support.”