LIBERAL Democrat Defence spokesman Menzies Campbell last night
expressed disappointment at a Government decision to relocate the RAF's
rescue co-ordination centre from Pitreavie in Fife to Morayshire.
Hopes had been high locally that the centre would stay in Fife, being
relocated from RAF Pitreavie Castle to RAF Leuchars.
However, citing recent studies, Armed Forces Minister Nicholas Soames
said yesterday in a Commons written answer that ''substantial
operational advantages and cost savings would be gained'' by moving the
operation to RAF Kinloss in Morayshire.
Mr Campbell, MP for North-East Fife, said last night: ''It represents
a complete change of mind by the Government. Last July, Ministers took
credit for the fact that the centre was to be relocated from Pitreavie
to Leuchars.
''Now after nine months of rumour, the Government has reversed that
decision for reasons which are neither persuasive nor compelling.''
While the National Military Rescue Co-ordination Centre, along with 36
posts, will transfer to RAF Kinloss, the Air Officer Scotland and
Northern Ireland, the most senior RAF post in Scotland, will move to RAF
Leuchars.
Pitreavie Castle is staffed mainly by RAF and Navy personnel and
employs only a small number of civilians.
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