Ten years ago in Moray: RAF Lossiemouth saved
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From the files of the Northern Scot, July 18, 2011.
The nine month community campaign to secure the future of the Moray base has been successful.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox announced in Parliament that RAF Lossiemouth will become the main Typhoon fighter base for the UK, securing its long-term future.
Councillor David Stewart, chairman of the Save RAF Lossiemouth Action Group, punched the air in delight as the news was revealed.
He said: "The campaign has been worth every minute. I am delighted, not just for the people of Lossiemouth and Moray, but the RAF personnel whose lives have been on hold.
"Now that we know the Typhoons are definitely coming that will ensure the base's future until at least 2020. We couldn't have had a better result.
"We have been fighting for Lossiemouth and Moray, although we didn't get a chance to fight for Kinloss."
Mr Fox revealed that the Army will be coming to the base at Kinloss, which will cease to operate as an air station at the end of July, although the relocation of troops from Germany to Moray will not take place before 2014-15.
Councillor Stewart and other campaigners celebrated as they watched the Defence Secretary's speech at the Lossiemouth FC social club.
"The real heroes of the campaign," said Councillor Stewart, "were the 7,000 people who marched through the town last November in support of the base.
"The campaign united the whole of Moray. It has taught me that if people value something they will fight tooth and nail to save it."
The decision to relocate the Typhoons to RAF Lossiemouth means RAF Leuchars in Fife will be shut as an air base, although it is set to become an Army base for troops returning from Germany.
Carolle Ralph, chair of Lossiemouth Community Council, said: "People power has won the day.
"This says that Lossiemouth is open for business and we now have to sell Lossie and Moray as the jewel in the north of Scotland.
"I have always believed people can make a difference when it comes to political decisions and this proves it."
Local businessman Royce Clark said: "To me this is like winning the Lottery. This could mean continued employment for staff, job security and more confidence in the local economy. This is a huge decision."
