Council offers support over Moray air base job losses

27th October 2010

Highland Councillors have offered practical support and assistance to Moray Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Moray Task Force in their efforts to cope with the impact of significant job losses resulting from the impending closure of RAF Kinloss, and the continuing uncertainty over the future of RAF Lossiemouth.

Convener Sandy Park raised the matter as an emergency item at the full Council meeting in Inverness on Thursday 28th October 2010 when he highlighted the huge strain placed on the Moray economy by last week's announcement of defence cuts by the UK Government.

The MOD's presence at Kinloss and Lossiemouth made it the most RAF dependent region in the UK, with a total of 5,700 FTE jobs (16% of total employment) which could be at risk and 158m of income. The loss of these jobs would double the claimant count unemployment rate in the area.

He said: "The closure of RAF Kinloss will account for more than 40% of these job losses and so there is a need for concerted action to tackle the severe consequences which will also spill over into The Highland Council area and Aberdeenshire."

The Council heard that initial work had been undertaken by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Moray Council and is set out in the report "MOD Rationalisation in Moray - Scotland's response". This identified the need for investment in individuals (skills and training), infrastructure (housing, business space, broadband, roads and rail), inward investment (an investor ready region for renewable energy, sustainable technologies, tourism, food and drink and data centres), and identity (the social economy, community development and culture). This plan would undoubtedly be the focus for joint action over the coming months.

The Highland Council already has a link with Moray Council through Highland Opportunity Ltd and a joint Business Gateway contract. Business Gateway is already liaising with HIE on the provision of additional start-up advice and wider business support.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.  

10/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council welcomes funding boost to support households struggling with fuel costs

The Highland Council has welcomed an increase of £750,000 of funding from the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund to support private householders experiencing extreme fuel poverty in Highland.   The two-year grant will support the delivery of the Council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by The Scottish Government, which funds energy efficiency home improvements that can help lower fuel costs and improve living conditions for Highland residents.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

Councillors set to challenge huge Highland powerline plan

Highland councillors are set to reaffirm their opposition to a massive new 400kV powerline stretching across the region when they meet today.   The North and South Planning Committees are joining forces to consider the proposed Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission project, one of the biggest electricity infrastructure schemes ever proposed in the Highlands.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Why Are Scottish Pupils Falling Behind England? The PISA Results Demand a Rethink

There are few subjects more important to parents than the education their children receive.  It determines not only what they know when they leave school, but increasingly their opportunities throughout adult life.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

From Abeyance to 18 Candidates: What Has Happened to Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Council?” 18 Candidates For 6 Seats

Following the close of nominations on Monday 7 September noon, the statements of persons nominated for each community council have been published on the council’s website.  Now able to confirm that out of 20 Community Councils seeking membership, 15 have formed, 4 have not formed and 1 may require an election as they exceed the number of available vacancies.  

8/9/2026 : Local Authority

Where Will the Cuts Fall? Scotland’s Public Services Face Another Squeeze

The Scottish Government is facing a difficult financial year.  But the real question for councils, NHS boards and other public bodies is simple who will absorb the pressure? The latest Scottish Fiscal Commission report contains an important warning for Scotland's public services.