Warning of job losses amid fears over future of Leuchars airfield

DEFENCE: Fife MP says he has failed to receive assurances from MOD over long-term RAF role

An MP has warned of job losses amid uncertainty over the future of Leuchars airfield.

Defence chiefs have reportedly discussed plans to end the base’s 107-year-old association with military aviation.

It has led to fears for more than 40 jobs at the Fife site, which operates a back-up runway for RAF Lossiemouth-based Typhoons.

Stephen Gethins, the SNP MP, said the responses he has received from officials on the long-term future of the airfield have not reassured him.

“Leuchars has a long, proud association with the RAF and the airfield is one of the best assets the MOD has in Scotland,” said Mr Gethins, who represents North-east Fife.

“Its role as a diversionary airfield for Typhoons based at Lossiemouth is crucial, not only to our defence capability, but also the safety of all those involved.

“There is currently no intent to relocate the fast jet diversion capability away from Leuchars ... MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

“There are also many local jobs dependent on the airfield.”

In his letter to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Mr Gethins said: “The information on the possible closure seems to be common knowledge on the base and a reply to a recent freedom of information (FOI) request to the Air Command Secretariat does nothing to allay any fears.”

In total, there are about 800 staff based at the barracks, mostly MOD personnel.

The site, which transferred from the RAF to the Army in 2015, is home to 612 (R) Squadron, which provides aeromedical support, and East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron.

Air traffic control and fire and rescue service jobs are tied to the airfield, which is regularly touted as a potential commercial airport.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Royal Engineers and military police units are also based at Leuchars, which the UK Government has earmarked as the main Army base in Scotland.

In an FOI request, the MOD was asked whether the airfield will still be used for the Typhoons and if the RAF plans to close the facility after 2021.

The response read: “There is currently no intent to relocate the fast jet diversion capability away from Leuchars and consequently no decision on the long-term future of Leuchars airfield has been taken.”

An MOD spokesman told The Courier: “There are currently no plans to close the airfield at Leuchars.”

Picture: Steven Brown. North-east Fife SNP MP Stephen Gethins wants assurances over the airfield.