More than 100 RAF Lossiemouth servicemen and women will be deployed away from the station and their loved ones this Christmas – but they have not been forgotten by their colleagues.
The community support team at the Moray air base teamed up with station commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, to wrap packages of gifts for absent friends in the USA, Canada, the Falkland Islands and Cyprus, as well as several countries in the Middle East.
The parcels contain items such as socks, hats, toiletries and Christmas novelties as well as shortbread donated by Walkers of Aberlour on Spey.
The RAF Lossiemouth Junior Ranks Welfare Fund is also providing an £8 phone credit to give people an extra opportunity to speak with family and friends at home over the Christmas period.
Squadron Leader Sarah Brewin, who leads the community support team, said she hoped the treats would bring a bit of festive cheer.
“It can be difficult being away from your family and friends for long periods at any time of the year,” she said.
“Forces personnel are aware that this is part of their job, but it can be particularly hard at Christmas.
“Our community support team have been providing these Christmas parcels for our service personnel for two years now, and no matter how many people are deployed from RAF Lossiemouth, we will continue to do this to remind them we are thinking of them.
“It’s important that both service people away on deployment and their families left at home know that they are very much at the forefront of the station’s thoughts, particularly at a time of the year when family and friends come together.”