North East Fife SNP MSP Roderick Campbell has ramped up pressure on the Ministry of Defence to carry out an urgent feasibility study into the use of Leuchars as a commercial airport after reports that Ryanair would be interested in operating flights from the base.
The MoD had previously advised Mr Campbell that they would be “happy in principle to provide advice” on a feasibility study but had refused to accept his requests that such a study be carried out urgently.
Now, after The Courier revealed that the MoD would be willing to talk to airlines about sharing the base, Mr Campbell has spoken of his relief that there are signs of progress.
He said: “After months of pressure on the MoD to agree to carry out a feasibility study at RAF Leuchars, I am delighted that we are one step closer to realising this ambition.
“It is now essential that the MoD follows up my requests for a feasibility study as a matter of priority and engages in serious dialogue with Ryanair to make sure this vision becomes a reality. After all the cuts they have made in north-east Fife, it is time they did something positive to help the local economy.
“The MoD has spoken of its willingness to discuss commercial activity from the airbase, and now is its chance. This cannot be another broken promise from the Westminster Government.
“The community has expressed a strong desire to see the base used by commercial aircraft after the RAF leave in 2015.
“As I have previously said on this subject, it would be a horrendous waste if the MoD let the infrastructure at the base go to waste.
“Leuchars is ideally situated for a small airport and the economic advantage it would bring to the local area would be a real boon.
“We know the private flights already landing at the base have brought in some £500,000 opening the runway up to commercial operators would no doubt increase that, to the benefit of the local community.”
North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell has warned campaigners pushing for commercial air services at Leuchars.
Sir Menzies said: “We should not get carried away by this possibility. Dual use of RAF Leuchars was considered some years ago and rejected because of the difficulties of accommodating military use of the facilities with commercial flights.
“Although air force activity will be much reduced at Leuchars in the future, there will inevitably be security issues which may be difficult to overcome.”
Sir Menzies added that while the close proximity of the railway would be an advantage, the road network in and around the village and airfield may well be “inadequate” for more than limited commercial use.
He said all of this would have an impact on Dundee airport which has had a large amount of public investment over the years.
Dundee Labour MP Jim McGovern also urged caution and vowed to fight for the future of Dundee Airport.
He said: “I firmly believe that Dundee Airport has the chance for a successful future given the right investment and the right business plan by the operator and the airlines.
“This was made clear by Transport Scotland in a report published last year.
“The airport is a vitally important part of the city’s economy and I remain strongly in favour of seeing it developed for the benefit of Dundee. I would not be in favour of seeing the airport close or investment directed away from it.”