THE FORMER RAF Machrihanish base near Campbeltown is up for sale – bringing hope for a massive injection of life into the economy of Kintyre.
In his first day in the job as parliamentary under secretary of state for defence, Kevan Jones MP signed the necessary paperwork to set the sale in motion. The base officially closed in 2000.
‘It is our intention that the termination of employment and maintenance contracts will be handled sensitively,’ said a Ministry of Defence (MoD) statement.
Jim Mather MSP for Argyll and Bute said he saw it as an chance to safeguard existing jobs and open up the opportunity for renewal for Kintyre.
‘It creates the opportunity to have more local assets used to boost the economy and job prospects,’ he said.
There is one MoD employee at Machrihanish and 19 contractors who provide security, maintenance and management. The site covers a massive 1,028 acres and is home to the longest runway in Europe, at 3km, and has hangers, jet fuel installations, offices, living accommodation, sports facilities and numerous other buildings.
Alan Reid, MP for Argyll and Bute, said: ‘It must not be sold off to an asset stripper. Kintyre is already threatened with the loss of more than 90 jobs at Vestas. The development potential of the Machrihanish site must be seized to create employment.
‘The Ministry of Defence, the Scottish government and Argyll and Bute Council must work together to ensure that the site is developed to secure the maximum benefit to the Kintyre community.’
Ian Hay, in charge of disposing of defence land, said: ‘Campbeltown Airport has been at the forefront of our discussions and options were considered by all those involved to safeguard the airport’s future,’ he said.
