People power won the day
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PEOPLE power won the day, insists RAF Lossiemouth campaigner Carolle Ralph.
Mrs Ralph, chair of Lossiemouth Community Council, has been a key figure in the campaign to retain the base.
She never subscribed to the theory from day one that a decision to close RAF Lossiemouth was a done deal and there was little point in raising any dissenting voices following the initial publication of the Strategic Defence and Security Review last October.
"At the start of the campaign we vowed that we would fight the decision every step of the way and that is what we have done," she said.
"A lot of people said there was no point and that the decision had already been made.
"I have always believed people can make a difference to political decisions. Politicians represent the people and, at times, they have to listen to public opinion."
She admitted the march and rally involving over 7,000 people, less than three weeks into the campaign was a powerful start and helped generate momentum.
"The march and rally was amazing. Right from the start we were aware there was huge backing for the campaign. It made us feel nothing could stop us fighting on," she said.
"There is a lot of community spirit in Moray and this campaign has pulled people together in all sorts of ways."
She admitted the last nine months has been an emotional rollercoaster for everybody in Moray, and particularly the families of RAF personnel.
Read the full interview with Carolle Ralph in 'The Northern Scot' on Friday as part of our comprehensive RAF Lossiemouth coverage.
