The task force set up to protect the future of the Kinloss Army Barracks is preparing for the worst by devising a “Plan B” if the base is closed.
The chairman of the Moray Economic Partnership group, John Cowe, has confirmed that finding a revenue source which could pump an equivalent sum into the region’s coffers would be a difficult task.
But he cited the UK’s recent vote to leave the European Union as offering evidence that people expect leaders to have an alternative option when a decision goes against them.
Mr Cowe said: “We remain determined that Kinloss will stay open, but if closure is to be imposed upon us, then we need to be prepared.
“As we’ve learned from the Brexit vote, people expect their leaders to have a Plan B for any scenario.
“Given that responsibility, and tasked with securing and growing the economy in Moray, we will be exploring all options to protect the future well-being of the Moray community.
“However, planning for the economic loss that closure of Kinloss would bring is not a simple task and we would require significant government support to deliver the equivalent level of economic activity.”
Mr Cowe ins the taskforce would press the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for greater clarity on when an announcement might be made on the future of the barracks.
The group will also continue its campaign to ensure that military bosses consult with the Moray community prior to rendering any decision on Kinloss.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead last night confirmed that he would broach the potential closure of the Kinloss base at Holyrood today.
He has been granted the opportunity to question Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown, on the financial impact of the demise of the facility.
The Kinloss Barracks is understood to generate tens of millions of pounds every year for the local economy.
Highlands and Islands Enterprises is currently forming an economic impact assessment which will detail how the loss of the base would harm Moray’s income.
The MoD is in the midst of plans to axe a slew of bases to help save a billion pounds.
But it yesterday confirmed that no decision had been made about Kinloss.
