The leader of Fife Council has accused the Ministry of Defence of lacking “basic courtesy” over its decision to withdraw the RAF from Leuchars.
Peter Grant said the MoD should have carried out consultation on the effects both positive and negative of turning the base into army barracks.
“It is tremendously disappointing, after all the hard work to save RAF Leuchars, that a decision has been taken by the UK Government to close the air base,” he said. “The RAF has been in Leuchars for the last 100 years and has had a significant impact to the local economy with strong community links in the town.
“It will be a sad day for many of those RAF families who will leave after forging a long-term relationship with the Leuchars area. The school, community groups and local businesses will remember them well.”
He said the decision to axe RAF Leuchars had been handled badly by the MoD and the coalition government.
“It’s also disappointing, to say the least, that the MoD announced the army is coming to Leuchars without any consultation on the impact of such a move.
“Inevitably there will be both positive and negative impacts and it would have been no more than basic courtesy for the MoD to have discussed these with the local community rather than just announcing this as a done deal.”
Mr Grant said there are a number of questions to be answered.
“Leuchars has been a good neighbour to the RAF for 100 years and I’m sure they’ll give a warm Fife welcome to whoever takes their place,” he said.
“We will, of course, welcome the army … We are awaiting further announcements on the details but will be looking for answers to a number of questions including the timing of the withdrawal of the RAF and the army moving in.
“We will therefore be seeking an urgent meeting with the Scottish and UK governments to address all the issues associated with this announcement.”