Workers following proper procedures, says RAF Lossiemouth

RAF Lossiemouth has posted a statement on social media to explain the position about ongoing work at the base.

The move follows concern expressed by some townsfolk about civilian contractors travelling to and from the military base from outwith Moray.

Some of the contractors are understood to be staying in accommodation, rather than on the base.

On the RAF base's Facebook page and Twitter account a spokesperson has written: "We've had a number of questions about why some of our major infrastructure projects are continuing at RAF Lossiemouth. We hope to answer your questions, and alleviate your concerns in this thread."

The following details are then given:

1. The construction of our Poseidon Strategic Facility, along with the resurfacing of our runways and operating surfaces, have been categorised as Critical National Infrastructure by the Government.
2. Runways and aircraft operating surfaces have a finite lifespan. Works must be completed on time to ensure RAF Lossiemouth's vital Defence Tasks can continue.
3. Similarly, the Poseidon Strategic Facility is in its final stages of construction. The temporary arrangements of operating our Poseidon fleet out of Kinloss Barracks were based on our new purpose-built facility opening towards the end of 2020.
4. Delays to either of these projects will severely degrade our ability to conduct Quick Reaction Alert, and Maritime Patrol operations in and around the UK. Our adversaries haven't stopped in their activities, and we cannot afford to stop ours.
5. It is not possible to simply pause or delay these projects. The need for specialist labour has required a measure of travel for some of our contractors working on site. With that said, our contractors are as heavily invested in the health and welfare of their people, and that of the local community, as we are.
6. All contractors operating on these projects are following the standards set out by the Construction Leadership Council, which detail procedures and precautions that should be taken in areas including travel, hand washing, canteens and rest areas, avoiding close working, and cleaning.
7. We value our place in the community, both locally at Lossiemouth and regionally in Moray. It's important that, as an organisation, and as individuals we lead by example. That is why, as a Station, we are ensuring that our personnel and the contractors working on our site are following the Government's COVID-19 Guidance.
8. With these comprehensive precautions and preventative measures in place our critical infrastructure projects will be able to continue unhindered, enabling #TeamLossie to continue in its missions of #SecuringTheSkies and #SecuringTheSeas of the United Kingdom for many years to come.

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