Despite criticism from campaigners, Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials have insisted there will be no rush to reach a decision on the future of RAF Leuchars.
With rumours continuing to circulate it had been hoped an announcement would be made within weeks however, it has emerged no decision will be revealed until the summer.
Although the MoD is likely to know the fate of Scotland’s RAF bases by April, government rules regarding the potential influencing of voters mean no announcement will be made this side of May’s Holyrood elections.
The MoD insists a study of the nation’s future defence needs is “running to schedule.”
In a statement aimed at “clarifying” the situation amid mounting criticism, the MoD said, “There is no delay in the decision regarding RAF bases in Scotland.
“The RAF has never given a specific date for the completion of its UK basing study, although it was hoped it would be finished in the spring, around April.
“The study is running to schedule, but the MoD has been told it cannot announce the outcome in April, just before the Scottish election, as this would be in breach of government rules for potentially influencing voters.”Hit backThe MoD has also hit back following anger over armed forces minister Nick Harvey’s decision to visit RAF Lossiemouth in Moray but not RAF Leuchars, insisting the final decision will take into account “all the implications.”
“The armed forces minister visited RAF bases in Moray last week to meet staff and representatives of the local community,” a spokeswoman said. “He is fully aware that people and their families there and at RAF Leuchars would like to know what the future holds.
“However, it is not in anyone’s interest to bring the announcement forward and therefore rush a decision without fully assessing all the implications.”
The spokeswoman said an announcement would be made in the immediate aftermath of May’s election.
“It is hoped that the MoD will be able to announce the decision soon after the Scottish elections, as long as there are no significant complications which require further consideration,” she said.
Meanwhile, MP Sir Menzies Campbell has written to Mr Harvey, urging him to to visit Leuchars.
“I see from press reports that you were able to visit Lossiemouth and Kinloss last week,” Sir Menzies wrote. “I am certain that you would find a similar visit to RAF Leuchars to be helpful and informative.
“May I, therefore, invite you to visit north-east Fife with a view to hearing at first hand representatives of the local community and familiarise yourself on the ground with the essential role currently played by RAF Leuchars in the air defence of the United Kingdom.”