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MSP vows to push for answers on return of air force to Leuchars

MSP vows to push for answers on return of air force to Leuchars

The potential return of military aircraft to Leuchars is to be raised at the Scottish Parliament this week.

Roderick Campbell, MSP for North East Fife, is to ask the Scottish Government if it has held any discussions with representatives from Westminster over the possibility of returning the RAF to the Fife base.

The Courier revealed last week that a new fleet of Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) could be stationed at the former air base as part of the UK Government’s forthcoming Strategic Defence and Security Review.

There is also talk in military circles that mothballed Typhoon fighters of which two squadrons were located at Leuchars until last year could also be placed in Fife if reintroduced to service, due to space constraints elsewhere.

With speculation mounting, Mr Campbell says that it is important that any discussions over the matter are made public.

“It is quite clear the previous Liberal Democrat/Conservative government’s decision to remove the RAF from Leuchars was entirely wrong,” he said.

“The loss of the RAF, and delay in the arrival of the army, has had a visible impact on the town and its businesses, and it is high time that something was done to help the local community.

“Leuchars is well sited to be home to new Maritime Patrol Aircraft but questions must again be asked as to why the previous coalition government removed these aircraft from Scotland in the first place.

“I will be seeking answers from the Scottish Government about whether they have been included in any discussions with the UK Government in relation to this matter.

“It is time the new Conservative Government started listening to the people of Scotland, and the Scottish Government, about matters that directly affect Scotland.”

The former RAF base was handed over to the army this year and renamed Leuchars Station. However, threats to the United Kingdom’s borders from Russia are said to have prompted a rethink over whether or not to return an air force presence to Fife.