The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Officer will help new families at booming RAF Lossiemouth
Military: With 400 extra personnel due at base liaison worker role created
Moray and Highland councils have joined forces to create a new means of helping military families find their feet in the area.
About 400 extra personnel are due to move to RAF Lossiemouth over the next three years as part of a massive expansion of the base.
Now, a new liaison officer post has been created to ensure they and their loved ones get the most out of living in the north of Scotland.
The role will cover the Moray air force base as well as Army barracks at Kinloss and Fort George and will provide information, guidance and support about a range of local services.
The job is being funded by the Ministry of Defence’s covenant fund, which is given £10million a year to support projects in the region.
Both councils reaffirmed their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year by re-signing the document, which is designed to establish closer links between the military and neighbouring communities.
Council and military bosses confirmed the creation of the new job following a briefing about armed forces in the area.
Moray Council convener, James Allan, said: “The post is about us, as a community, giving something back to our armed forces.
“This will help military families access all the services that councils can provide and, given the recently announced expansion of RAF Lossiemouth, many more personnel will be in need of these.”
Highland Council’s armed forces and veterans’ champion, Roddy Balfour added: “We’re delighted to have been awarded funding to allow the appointment of an individual dedicated to taking forward the commitments within the council’s Armed Forces Covenant.
“Working jointly with Moray Council will see a sensible, joined-up approach to ensure better delivery of services to our armed forces.”
The post will be advertised shortly with an appointment expected to be made by the end of August.