A new letter from campaigners is set to leave Prime Minister David Cameron in no doubt as to the level of support behind the campaign to retain the world-famous RAF Leuchars air base.
The document was penned just days after Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie promised to take any submission by campaigners direct to 10 Downing Street.
Highlighting the potentially devastating impact of closure on the local community, the two-page letter also outlines the “compelling” strategic reasons for retention.
“In defence terms, the role of RAF Leuchars is considered to be a fundamental and vital component in the defence of UK airspace given its prime strategic defence position and the significant investment in the base in recent years,” the submission states.
“RAF Leuchars is crucial in delivering the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert capability for the north of the UKaircraft are on high alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace.”
Campaigners also warn the PM than tens of millions of pounds would be lost to the area should their worst fears be realised.
“The impact on the local and regional economy should the base close would be highly significant,” the letter continues.
“It is estimated that RAF Leuchars could contribute in the region of around 2500 full-time equivalent jobs within Fife and almost £60 million income annually to the Fife economy.”
The document warns that the region is ill-equipped to deal with such a heavy blow.
“This is an area which has already undergone severe economic difficulties with the loss of major employers such as Curtis Fine Papers and construction firm Torith in recent years,” it states.
“The area is heavily reliant on the already vulnerable public sector and therefore the closure of the base and loss of spending power locally would be devastating for the local community.
“Some smaller businesses in the area would face closure without the support of the base.”
The potential impact on community facilities is also highlighted.
“The RAF forms an important part of the local community in Leuchars and the surrounding area,” the letter notes.
“Local children have been raising their own concerns on the future of the RAF base, with many of them worried that they will lose not only their friends but also the well used out-of-school activities that the base provides.
“Some of the children had also stated aspirations to work at the base in a civilian capacity in the future and are now worried about their own futures should the base close.”
The Leuchars campaigners insist they do not want Leuchars to be spared at the expense of RAF Lossiemouthalso thought to be under threat as a result of swingeing cuts to the UK’s defence budget.
Rather, they hope to see both facilities retained.
“With the closure of RAF Kinloss in Moray already announced, the Residents Action Force Leuchars feels strongly that neither of Scotland’s two remaining bases at Leuchars and Lossiemouth should close,” the letter concludes.