Commenting after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace updated the House of Commons on the report about the future structure and basing of the Army, Moray MP Douglas Ross said:
“This is very welcome news from the Defence Secretary, outlining the investment we will see coming to Moray and the additional troops that will be stationed here.
“It also confirms that over the last few weeks Richard Lochhead and senior SNP members in Moray have used the future of Kinloss Barracks as a political football, but there was absolutely no substance in their claims. Understandably this raised concerns amongst those currently serving at Kinloss and was highly irresponsible. Despite what the SNP claimed we will see investment at Kinloss.
“I urged at the time for care to be taken about what was said and done, and I’m pleased that the majority of local people and stakeholders agreed and followed the same course of action. However, I cannot ignore that as recently as the beginning of this week Richard Lochhead was still peddling the myth the Kinloss Barracks might close.
“The Defence Secretary has reinforced the priority the UK Government places in supporting our personnel here in Moray, both at Kinloss Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth, and I know everyone who serves there and works alongside them will be delighted with this announcement from the UK Government.”