A detailed study to establish the full economic impact of any reduction in the Royal Air Force presence in Moray has been launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and local enterprise company Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE).

The research will be carried out in partnership with other public sector organisations in the area.

The economic impact study has been prompted by concerns over the future of the RAF bases at Kinloss and Lossiemouth following today's announcement of budget cuts for the armed forces.

Research published by HIE last year highlighted how the two bases have a major impact on the social fabric of the area, generating over £93 million each year for the economy and employing around 5,000 people, 750 of them civilians.

Douglas Yule, chief executive of MBSE, said: "Any significant reduction of the RAF's presence in this area would have a major impact, not only in Moray, but in the whole inner Moray Firth area. MBSE and the HIE network consider this a matter of great concern.

"MBSE, along with its partners, in particular The Moray Council and the NHS, will work to rapidly establish the full economic impact on the Moray economy and public services of a reduced RAF presence.

"Advice will be sought from independent experts to simulate the likely economic impact in all parts of the economy so the development agencies can make the case for the necessary resources to ease what may be large scale economic structural change.

"Through being thoroughly informed and prepared, our aim is to turn this into an opportunity rather than a setback for the Highlands and Moray and the North-east of Scotland."