Moray MP Douglas Ross says it is “tremendous news” that the UK Government are investing tens of millions at RAF Lossiemouth which will create over 100 new jobs in the local area.
Douglas’ praise comes after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that they have awarded an £83 million contract to Boeing Defence UK to build a new facility ahead of the arrival of the UK E-7 Wedgetail Fleet at RAF Lossiemouth.
The surveillance fleet will be housed at the Lossiemouth site alongside the recently completed Atlantic Building. The investment will create 125 jobs in the local area, including seven new trainee positions in engineering and construction.
The investment from the UK Government will help to construct a new training facility and a second unit which will be the size of an Olympic swimming pool.
Douglas says this “major investment” reaffirms the UK Government’s ‘overwhelming commitment’ to investing in defence in Moray and helping to boost the local economy and create new opportunities for people living in the area.
He added that RAF Lossiemouth continues to play a key role in protecting the country’s security in these “turbulent and concerning times” and this investment will help to facilitate significant infrastructure upgrades at RAF Lossiemouth to enhance their capabilities.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This investment at RAF Lossiemouth is absolutely tremendous news for the base and for the local economy right across Moray.
“RAF Lossiemouth continues to play a key role in protecting the nations security, especially in these turbulent times. Investing over £80 million at such a critical time is a major funding boost from the UK Government and only reaffirms how committed they are to bolstering defence operations in Moray.
“Having this new facility and welcoming the arrival of new fleet not only enhances Lossiemouth’s defence capabilities, it has also helped to create well over 100 jobs in the local area, including new opportunities for trainees.
“That is a great boost to the Moray economy especially as our communities continue to feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
“RAF Lossiemouth has played such a key and proud role in our nations defence history and this investment will enable operations to go from strength to strength.
“I will continue to work closely with the UK Government and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that major investment continues to be made at Lossiemouth to support RAF personnel there and the economy across Moray.”
