One in five jobs face axe in 'Ravenscraig of the North'

Some of the leading firms in the area yesterday met with local politicians to discuss an action plan to combat the threatened closures.

A paper will be presented next week to First Minister Alex Salmond and to David Mundell the Scottish Secretary.

Speaking on behalf of the business leaders, Elliott Robertson, from Robertson Homes, said later: "The meeting was hugely successful and it was agreed beyond doubt that Morayshire makes a significant contribution to national defence of the country and these RAF bases' unique contribution is greater than any other part of the UK defence force."

He said the bases' economic impact on the area is "quantifiably compelling" as they contribute 6,000 jobs - the equivalent of one in five posts in the area - and 160 million to the local economy. He added: "The dispute has been described as the 'Ravenscraig of the North' due to the sheer volume of community interest and the relative economic impact on the area if the bases were to close."

Angus Robertson, the local SNP MP, said the public and private sector in Moray are united in their support for the bases with local companies, chamber of commerce and trades council working alongside Moray Council, the local enterprise company and politicians.

He said: "The decision that UK ministers will take in the coming days will be critical to the future shape of Moray."

Bruce Crawford, the minister for parliamentary business, added: "The Scottish Government is working with the main opposition parties in support of defence jobs and skills across Scotland and today's meeting reaffirmed that the RAF bases at Kinloss and Lossiemouth are hard-wired into the local economy.

"I heard from employers, workers and local people who are extremely concerned.

"The importance of the two bases in employment terms cannot be overstated.

"Their closure would see one in five jobs lost - a cataclysmic total that would not bear thinking about if it was mirrored in an urban centre such as London."