Army top brass visits RAF Kinloss

RAF Kinloss received a visit from the army’s top brass on Monday morning.

An RAF spokesman released a statement to say that The Director General for the Army Change Programme, Major-General Bruce Brealey had visited the base as part of a wider reconnaissance trip to military establishments in Scotland.

The General was given a tour of the RAF Kinloss site, before receiving a brief from the Station Commander, Group Captain JJ Johnston.

The visit is seen as the first step towards ascertaining the exact future use of RAF Kinloss as an Army base.

It also follows the announcement by Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox that elements of the Army will be moving into the airbase within the next few years.

RAF Leuchars is also set to receive an army contingent after the air force leave.

There has been a mixed reaction in Forres to the news, which although on the whole has been seen as positive, has prompted some concern as to the timescale for the operation.

It is also unclear as to how many servicemen and women or how many units will be based at Kinloss, and if the whole base will be used or if some will be surplus to requirements.

Monday’s statement said that decisions regarding which Army units are to be stationed at RAF Kinloss and when they will arrive have not yet been made.

The RAF Kinloss Station Commander, Group Captain JJ Johnston said it was a fact finding visit.

"This has been the first opportunity for the General to see for himself the fantastic facilities that are available, both at RAF Kinloss and in the local area," he said. "This fact-finding visit takes the initial step in informing the Army’s detailed planning process leading to Ministerial endorsement in due course."

Due to ill health, the Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation was not able to travel.