MP Gethins welcomes investment and insists base must be family friendly

Local MP Stephen Gethins welcomed yesterday’s announcement but stressed the expansion must be family friendly with facilities and accommodation designed to ensure those relocated to Fife felt welcome.

“Leuchars Station is the best facility the MoD has and any investment is good for the local area,” he said.

“It is hugely important that any investment is carried out properly and in full consultation with service personnel and their families and that accommodation is of good quality.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It is fantastic news that Leuchars is set to become the main hub for the army in Scotland, hopefully this will mean that The Black Watch can return home to its historic recruiting ground in the Tayside and Fife area.

“The MoD is making substantial investment in Scotland and upgrades to our bases will be good news for the local economies and communities surrounding them.”

The investment includes £1.3 billion for upgrades to HM Naval Base Clyde’s waterfront, engineering support, accommodation and security in advance of the Dreadnought class of deterrent submarines arriving in Scotland in the early 2030s.

Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth will become one of the RAF’s three fast jet bases, with a £400 million investment.