RAF Lossiemouth supports an estimated 3,370 jobs Hollywood star Ewan McGregor has backed a campaign aimed at securing the future of RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
The Star Wars actor said closing it would “devastate” the local community. It is feared the base’s Tornados may move to RAF Marham in Norfolk.
First Minister Alex Salmond is expected to join thousands in a march and rally through Lossiemouth town.
The Ministry of Defence says no decision has been reached about RAF Lossiemouth’s future.
The campaign comes amid fears for Moray’s other RAF base at Kinloss, after the UK government announced it was cancelling the next generation of Nimrod reconaissance aircraft, which would have been stationed there.
The leaders of the three main Holyrood opposition parties are also due to attend the rally.
Crieff-born McGregor said the closure of both bases would devastate Moray’s close-knit community and have far-reaching effects.
“Lossiemouth and the Highlands offer the very best training environment for Tornado crews”
Ewan McGregor
“I was shocked to hear the recent news that RAF Lossiemouth is under threat due to the possible relocation of Tornados to RAF Marham,” he said.
‘National importance’
“I had the privilege to fly from RAF Lossiemouth in the back of a Tornado piloted by my brother Colin.
“It was evident to me that Lossiemouth and the Highlands offer the very best training environment for Tornado crews who continue to be the RAF’s front line in Afghanistan.
“The closure of both Kinloss and Lossiemouth would be devastating to this close-knit community and the effects would be far-reaching.”
First Minister Alex Salmond said he intended to make the UK government “sit up and listen” to the people of Moray and Scotland.
“It is obvious that the Westminster government must do more to support the most defence dependent community in the UK in its hour of need,” he said.
“This goes far beyond Moray. It is a national issue of national importance to Scotland.”
Highlands and Islands Enterprise said RAF Kinloss supported 2,341 jobs on the base and in the wider community, and contributed £68m a year to the local economy
The base at Lossiemouth supports a further 3,370 jobs and contributes £90.3m annually. It is home to four squadrons flying the Tornado, which is the UK’s primary ground attack aircraft.
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