Fond Farewells at RAF Kinloss

RAF Kinloss march through Forres

FORRES reflects on the end of an era this week as the three flying squadrons at RAF Kinloss have been officially disbanded.

It isn’t good news by any stretch of the imagination, and certainly not something that was even imaginable this time last year. It must be hell for those personnel living locally with their families who wish to stay but have no idea what is going to happen.

Everyone has experienced a range of emotions this week, starting with the spectacular Freedom of Forres parade. Despite the weather, crowds turned out to say farewell and ‘thank you’ to the RAF. It was a proud day in Forres, albeit marked with sadness.

Mutual respect has been expressed between local people and service personnel over the past few months, and there is now an uneasy sense of anticipation hanging over us all.

So what now for Forres and for the air base? Although nothing has been decided, the rumour mill is grinding, and reports are that preparations are ongoing to hand the base over to defence estates in the autumn.

The understanding is that the buildings will be put into care and maintenance until such time as the base is needed again by the military or it is sold off, or left to decay. Some local groups are already making noises about getting their hands on the infrastructure to provide a business hub or manufacturing base to help boost the local economy.

Personnel left behind will meanwhile form a working party or squadron, with those who have applied for redundancy, waiting to hear if they have been successful, and others waiting to hear what their fate is, while others are posted out in dribs and drabs.

MEANWHILE, ‘The Forres Gazette’ is warning customers to be wary of cold callers offering them advertising in a ‘Gazette’ which is actually a different publication.

Unless you’re absolutely sure that you are dealing with ‘The Forres Gazette’, proceed with caution!