An army formation headquarters will be set up at Leuchars in Fife within two-and-a-half years.
However, troops will not move in for at least another 12 months leading to fears of a “fallow period” for the local economy.
There was heartache last week as defence secretary Liam Fox announced the RAF would be leaving its Fife base after an association spanning a century.
The consolation prize of an army garrison has done little to sooth the ire of many campaigners, although experts have suggested it will significantly soften any economic blow to the area.
The situation was further inflamed when Dr Fox jetted off to Moray in the wake of last Monday’s announcement in the Commons.
Far from celebrating with campaigners and servicemen at RAF Lossiemouth the retention of which spelt disaster for Leuchars Fifers felt he should have come to their base to explain the rationale behind his decision in person.
There is speculation that a trip to Fife may yet feature highly on the defence secretary’s agenda.
Meanwhile, he has tried to allay growing fears and considerable cynicism over the timetable for the arrival of the army.
“Although Leuchars will cease to be an RAF base it will remain in military use and will be used to base two major army units and a formation headquarters,” Dr Fox confirmed.
“Our hope is to move the headquarters to Leuchars no later than 2014. The major units will thereafter arrive in the period 2015-17.
“This will ensure continuity of the military presence in Fife and minimise the impact of the changes on the local economy.”QuestionsDespite the reassurances, a number of questions remain over the timetable.
North East Fife MSP Roderick Campbell urged Dr Fox to provide further information, saying a “significant gap” in the transition from RAF to army use could have a dire impact.
“It was disappointing that the secretary of state for defence failed to visit the area during his trip to Scotland. Residents feel there is a significant level of uncertainty as to the exact nature of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) plans for the base,” he said.
Mr Campbell welcomed comments from finance minister John Swinney, who last week pledged to fight for “community funding.”
“I welcome the cabinet secretary’s commitment to press the London government for more information on the timetable for Leuchars’ transition from an RAF base to an army facility,” the MSP added.
“The community needs to know whether there will be any significant gap, a fallow period, between the departure of the air force and the arrival of army troops.
“If that turns out to be the case, then it is reasonable that the MoD commit themselves to make good any economic loss suffered by our area.”
Dr Fox faced a barrage of criticism for failing to face the music in Fife following last week’s announcement.
Mr Campbell insists senior officials from the MoD have a “responsibility” to explain themselves during face-to-face talks with devastated service people and campaigners in Leuchars.
“The defence secretary, or at the very least MoD officials, has a responsibility to come to Leuchars and share information about his plans with the wider community,” said Mr Campbell.
“My constituents have many questions over what the future holds and, under the circumstances, I believe that they deserve answers.”
Typhoons from Leuchars are expected to leave for their new base in Lossiemouth in 2013.