Anger at RAF Kinloss job losses

RAF Kinloss generates millions of pounds for the Moray economy

Union officials have reacted angrily to an announcement that 108 civilian staff are to lose their jobs at RAF Kinloss.

It is the result of the withdrawal of the present Nimrod aircraft in March, a year earlier than planned.

Three hundred workers are employed by contractor Cobham at the base in the Moray town.

Lyn Turner of Unite said: "The loss of over 100 skilled jobs at RAF Kinloss is a hammer blow for the workers affected and to the local economy."

The commanding officer at RAF Kinloss, Group Captain Robbie Noel, had warned in December of the threat of job losses.

Major employer

It followed UK Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth's announcement about Nimrods being taken out of service early.

Moray MP and SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson said: "This is a body blow for the workforce.

"At a time when our forces are already overstretched and our communities under pressure the UK government should be supporting these jobs and bases not running them down."

The MoD said RAF Kinloss was not being mothballed.

The base is a major local employer and generates millions of pounds for the Moray economy.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has vowed to help.