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Kinloss Barracks set to remain open and expand, Ministry of Defence confirms


By Chris Saunderson

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KINLOSS Barracks is set to remain open and grow, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

39 Engineer Regiment base - Kinloss Barracks. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
39 Engineer Regiment base - Kinloss Barracks. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The MoD has today announced that the Future Soldier programme, which follows a review of defence spending, will see Scotland become home to more units and a greater proportion of the Army's workforce than at present.

Kinloss Barracks, home to 39 Engineer Regiment and 800 personnel, will expand, although by how much is yet to become clear.

"The £355 million investment in the Army estate will deliver over £1 billion of economic benefits to Scotland," an MoD statement said.

"Scotland will be home to more units and a greater proportion of the Army’s workforce than today.

"Glencorse Barracks in Edinburgh will be retained, while Kinloss and Leuchars will continue to grow."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Future Soldier is reinforced by the ambition outlined in the Defence Command Paper to transform the Army into a more agile, integrated, lethal, expeditionary force."

Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead and Conservative MP Douglas Ross both welcomed the news.

Mr Ross said: "This is very welcome news from the Defence Secretary, outlining the investment we will see coming to Moray and the additional troops that will be stationed here.

“The Defence Secretary has reinforced the priority the UK Government places in supporting our personnel here in Moray, both at Kinloss Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth, and I know everyone who serves there and works alongside them will be delighted with this announcement."

Mr Lochhead, who has raised concerns about the barracks' future in recent weeks, said: “I welcome the Defence Secretary’s confirmation that Kinloss Barracks is secure following the Ministry of Defence’s latest review.

“It has been an uncertain time and I am relieved that it has been recognised that any further closures in Moray would be a step too far. I strongly commend the community for getting that message across.

“I note that the Defence Secretary commented that Kinloss will be boosted and will look forward to hearing more detail in due course.”

Kinloss Barracks has been home to 39 Engineer Regiment since the closure of RAF Kinloss in 2012.

The Regular Army will comprise a 73,000 regular force by 2025 plus 30,000 reserves.



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