Worst-case coronavirus scenario could see Moray Council use Kinloss Barracks aircraft hangar as mortuary
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THE worst-case coronavirus scenario in Moray could see an aircraft hangar at Kinloss Barracks used as a mortuary.
Moray Council, preparing for the worst, has been given permission to use the hangar temporarily should it be needed.
But, the council added, there remains sufficient capacity at Moray's mortuaries for the anticipated impact, and the hangar will never be needed if everyone follows the coronavirus guidelines set out by the Scottish Government.
Jim Grant, head of economic growth and development at Moray Council, said: "As part of its emergency planning procedure, Moray Council approached the Ministry of Defence to use hangar facilities at Kinloss Barracks as a standby mortuary. This was agreed.
"Similar to other local authorities, the council has to plan for the worst case scenario emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As people are following Scottish Government advice and staying home, we hope the extra capacity made available to us by the MoD will not be required. However, it’s incumbent upon the council to ensure measures are in place to cope with whatever results from the pandemic locally.
"We would ask everyone to adhere to the Scottish Government guidance to stay at home so the number of deaths are reduced and facilities such as this will not be needed."
The hangar formerly housed Nimrods, when the RAF used the base, but has lain empty since the army moved in.
