Kinloss Barracks news is welcomed by Cllr Graham Leadbitter chairman of Moray Economic Partnership
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THE chairman of the Moray Economic Partnership has welcomed the news that Kinloss Barracks is set to grow.
In a two-paragraph statement released on behalf of the partnership, Councillor Graham Leadbitter, said: “We very much welcome the news that Kinloss Barracks will remain the home for the 39 Engineer Regiment, and that there is the possibility of future investment at the base which could strengthen the prominent defence footprint in the area.
“The close ties between the military and our communities across Moray are part of the fabric of our region. We look forward to working with the MoD to maximise any future opportunities, to continue supporting the service personnel and wider Armed Forces Community here, and grow our local economy.”
Cllr Leadbitter had called an emergency meeting of the partnership, which includes Moray Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in October after speculation over the future of the Moray base.
That followed a Sunday Times report that the Royal Engineers, based at Kinloss, could have been relocated to England.
However, that has proved unfounded and the Future Soldier programme announced by the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, November 25 has committed £355 million in defence infrastructure spending in Scotland, and Kinloss Barracks, which currently has 800 personnel, is to welcome an additional sub-unit at the base.
