Local firms to cash in

Moray firms are expecting to cash in on the major expansion of RAF Lossiemouth.

A meeting was held this week for contractors eager to carry out work as part of the £400million revamp.

The MoD has already pledged to work with small and mediumsized businesses as part of the project.

Last night, John Cowe, chairman of Moray Economic Partnership, explained the investment would have “massive” benefits for the region.

He said: “There is so much going on here at the moment with the RAF expansion, the upgrade to the railway and the expansion of Elgin.

“The more we can get out of it, the better. There was a procure- ment event held by the council this week and it was very busy with local businesses and sub-contractors – it’s good to see.”

Moray Council has already approved plans to build a replacement for Lossiemouth High School.

Mr Cowe explained proposals were being drawn up to ensure the new building has the capacity to cope with the expected influx of forces families to the region.

He added: “At the moment, we’re looking at something slightly bigger, about 800 pupils, which is about an extra 100 from what we were looking at before.

“It’s coming before the council in a few months, but it is all subject to funding.”