As the battle to save RAF Leuchars from closure continues, North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell writes exclusively for The Courier and explains why he believes Leuchars is the best situated, most suitably equipped base to defend the airspace of northern Britain.
The case for the retention of Leuchars is overwhelming.
The base is currently undergoing the transition from being a Tornado base to a Typhoon base. It is scheduled to receive three squadrons of Britain’s most up to date, state of the art fighter jet.
Leuchars was chosen as the home of the Typhoon to continue its long established responsibility to defend the northern half of the United Kingdom.
The first of the three squadrons, 6 Squadron, is already in place and has begun to police air space to warn off unwelcome intrusion by foreign military aircraft and to guard Scotland and the north of England as far down as Newcastle and Sunderland against terrorist attack.
Leuchars is in the right place at the right time doing the right job.
In none of the discussions about Leuchars have I heard anyone challenge the view that Leuchars is in the right strategic location to fulfil these tasks. It is hardly surprising.ScrambledLeuchars is within 80 miles of 80% of Scotland’s population. Its aircraft when scrambled can be over Glasgow and Edinburgh in a matter of a few minutes.
It is within easy range of the nuclear power station at Torness and the nuclear submarine base on the Clyde at Faslane, both of which might be attractive targets for terrorist attack.
RAF personnel from Leuchars can be quickly deployed to support emergency services in the Central Belt, as they were during recent snow storms.
Leuchars is within easy reach of its training areas over land and the North Sea.
Even the weather favours Leuchars, with a rainfall equivalent to the south east of England and with a cloud base and visibility which are very suitable for flying operations.
None of the reasons for Leuchars’ historical role in guarding the northern half of the UK have changed nor any of the reasons confirming it as the northern base for the Typhoon.ValuedThe servicemen and women of RAF Leuchars together with their families have become valued members of the local community with which they have forged strong links over the decades.
Many former RAF personnel have made their homes in the area after leaving the service.
Closing the base won’t just have a direct impact on jobs and the economy it will affect schools, community groups and many charities which have so often benefited from fund-raising by the base.
Leuchars’ proximity to the Central Belt ensures the success of the legendary Battle of Britain Air Show which has on occasion attracted up to 50,000 spectators.
Leuchars provides a shop window for the RAF close to the people it defends. It is no accident that the most senior Royal Air Force office in Scotland combines national responsibilities with command of the front line air base in Scotland.ExcellenceLeuchars is a centre of defence excellence for other units of the Territorial Army, the RAF Regiment, RAF Reserves, universities air squadrons all of which are stationed there.
And £40 million has been spent on Leuchars in recent years including the resurfacing of the runway to receive the Typhoons. A new joint military and civilian community centre has been built.
It is notable that the campaign to save Leuchars is supported by members of all political parties and members of none, and that it is supported by the surrounding communities.
Irrespective of the difficult economic climate there are certain defence priorities which have to be maintained.
The primary responsibility of any government is to defend its citizens. Leuchars is the best situated, most suitably equipped base to do just that.To show your support for RAF Leuchars, leave a comment below or click here.