Mixed Reaction to Kinloss News

EARLY reaction to the news that RAF Kinloss is to become a base for the British Army has been mixed.

Moray MP Angus Robertson has welcomed the news, as have several people from the Forres area who posted on the 'Gazette' Facebook page.

But there has also been some concern expressed.

‘Along with the news about RAF Lossiemouth, the confirmation yesterday that RAF Kinloss will become home to a significant part of the Army returning from Germany, will be welcomed locally," said Mr Robertson, who is also the Scottish National Party's defence spokesman.

"The time gap between the closure of Kinloss as an RAF station and the posting of Army regiments will need close attention in respect of the short term economic activity and community confidence of the immediate area. I look forward to working with the partners of the Moray Economic forum to ensure that Moray, and especially Forres, has a bright and confident future."

On Facebook however Forres Comunity Council secretary Colin Lipscomb was more hesitant. "Wait until the Army move in, Forres wasn't cut out to be a garrison town," he said.

However Claire Beck replied: "At the end of the day if it's going to bring money into the community does it really matter if it's the Army in?"

Sharon Richardson said she was pleased the base would remain open but added: "It just won't be the same - seeing the nimrods flying around Forres was always part of my holiday."