Members of the public have responded magnificently to our plea to get in touch with their thoughts and feelings regarding the future of RAF Leuchars.
Speculation surrounding the front-line base has intensified in recent weeks, and a spirited campaign to keep it open has found favour among politicians of all shades.
Fife Council has also rallied behind the cause warning that closure could cost the economy £60 million and 2000 jobs.
Michael Clark from Kirkcaldy is among those concerned about the implications should the base be shut down.
He believes the crews at Leuchars play a vital role in ensuring the UK is protected from potentially devastating terrorist attacks.
Referring to the recent interception of Russian military aircraft, he said, “If our illustrious government was to consign Leuchars to the scrapyard, you’re not going to tell me the Russians will stop coming.
“Would the government rather feel safe or scrap Leuchars and cross their fingers nothing happens?”SecurityMr Clark echoed the sentiments of many of those to have contacted us, saying, “You can’t put a price on security. When I was a wee boy during the second world war my grandfather used to take me to Leuchars to see the aeroplanes that’s history.
“They are going to say history doesn’t matter. I think it is totally criminal to even consider closing an aerodrome that has been in use by the RAF for so many years.”
Berenicie Smith from Newport said, “Living in this part of the world I just wanted to register my support for RAF Leuchars. It makes perfect common sense to have a good form of defence on this coast of Britain.
“I would hate to see other stations close, but it is worth remembering that Leuchars is a more central base and is really very important.”
Peggy George from Dundee has a close personal connection to the world-famous base. “My son is based at RAF Leuchars and I would be very sorry indeed to see it closed,” she explained.
“RAF Leuchars is very important for the whole of Scotland as is Lossiemouth. I do not want to see any bases closed … and would rather see the government saving money by pulling troops out of places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We really should be taking care of our own defences first and foremost,” she continued. “RAF Leuchars is obviously of huge benefit to Fife, but also to the wider region including Tayside.”
John Robertson from Perth said the case to retain Leuchars is compelling.Advantage”Leuchars has an advantage in that it has both an attack and defence capability. They have spent £40 million in recent years on the base, including resurfacing the runway,” he said.
“If they closed Leuchars and based the Typhoon at Lossiemouth it would cost a lot more money.
“I am not biased toward Leuchars,” Mr Robertson said. It just seems to me that between the two, it is the best base for the job that has to be done.If we are going to defend this country Leuchars is most certainly the best equipped at the moment.”
Robert Park from Blairgowrie was an RAF photographer for 24 years and served at Lossiemouth, Kinloss and, for a short time, Leuchars.
“The climate at Leuchars is the most acceptable and the terrain is ideal,” he said. “In the west there is more rain and mist.”
Campaigners will today get another chance to make their voices heard when First Minister Alex Salmond visits Henderson Hall in Leuchars at 3.30pm.
He will meet councillors and campaigners, including community council chairwoman Carroll Finnie.
“This is a very important meeting,” she said. “I hope as many people as possible attend to show the huge strength of feeling locally.”To show your support for RAF Leuchars, leave a comment below or click here.