Members of the Residents’ Action Force Leuchars have hit out at “continued uncertainty” over the future of the air base.
Cross-party politicians and community leaders made their displeasure known after discussions in Kirkcaldy yesterday as part of the Scottish Government cabinet meeting in the town.
UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox caused heartbreak across Fife in July when he confirmed the RAF was to be axed from Leuchars to accommodate the Army.
Finance Secretary John Swinney and Government Strategy Secretary Bruce Crawford met the residents’ group to discuss way to ensure a smooth transition takes place.
The SNP Government has previously suggested commercial airline flights could take off from the base as part of its future as an army base to help revitalise the Fife economy.
But yesterday the group mainly focused on expressing frustration that further information about the army’s plans had not been made available by the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Swinney, the Perthshire North MSP, said, “Last month, the UK Government announced plans to withdraw the RAF from Leuchars and to establish a new army formation HQ in the town.
“The defence secretary’s decision to withdraw the RAF from Fife was hugely disappointing for the local community and for the Scottish Government.
“We do welcome, however, the continuation of Leuchars as a major military base, and both the community and the Scottish Government will be working with the Army and the RAF in supporting base personnel, their families and the community during the transition period.
“Following Westminster’s Defence Basing Review, and in keeping with the spirit that saw us work alongside the people of Fife to campaign for many months for the retention of RAF Leuchars, the Scottish Government made clear its commitment to working with the Action Force to secure the best outcome for Fife.
“As discussed today, we have been pressing the UK Government for more information on their transition of the base and to ensure they provide appropriate support to manage the impact of their changes on local services and businesses.
“We are pressing the UK Government strongly to live up to their responsibilities following their decision, and for them to engage with the individuals, businesses and communities affected by the RAF’s withdrawal from Leuchars.”Government onusMr Swinney said the UK Government must deliver the “smooth and speedy” transition of RAF Leuchars to an Army base, and ensure that their decision has as positive an impact as possible on the Fife community and economy.
He added: “A series of important concerns remain, most importantly clarity around making the most of the facilities and skills already in place in the area.
“While we can look forward to an influx of highly-skilled professionals, the transition from RAF to Army base must happen as soon as possible, otherwise the UK Government must commit to supporting the community of Leuchars through this period of change.”
Fraser Phillips, chairman of the action force, told The Courier he has written to Dr Fox twice since the announcement but is still waiting for a reply.
“That is extremely disappointing,” he said. “We need clarity on exactly what is planned for the army as a matter of urgency.
“I found today’s meeting very useful and am encouraged that the Scottish Government shares our to desire to clarify as soon as possible with the MoD what is planned for Leuchars.”
The lack of information was also criticised by North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell, whose Liberal Democrat colleagues form part of the UK coalition government.
“There is continuing uncertainty about the timetable for the deployment of the army and the very nature of the units,” he said. “I will be continuing to press the MoD to provide full information.”
Labour’s Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said she was also “frustrated” by the lack of information.
Leuchars is scheduled to become a formation brigade headquarters by 2014. It will also become home to two other major army units between 2015 and 2017.