A new report into the economic and social impacts of the RAF bases in Moray has concluded that they generate over £93 million each year for the area's economy.

The study carried out by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in partnership with RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss also highlighted how the two bases have a major impact on the social fabric of the area.

After visiting RAF Lossiemouth, HIE chief executive Sandy Cumming said the report was a useful reference point for the future and would help enhance the relationship the enterprise network has with the RAF.

He added: "The value of the RAF bases has increased by around a quarter in the last decade alone underlining their economic importance as a major income generator for the area. Around 90 people leave the bases each year and settle locally. With excellent professional and technical skills, these ex-RAF personnel are well qualified to start their own businesses or re-train, which is where Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise can come in with possible funding, advice and support."

The report highlights that the two bases employ a total of 4,274 service personnel between them as well as 740 civilians.  The income on wages and spending on supplies for the two bases were £93.2m.

Dr Gray's hospital in Elgin suggests that 15% of its nursing staff and up to 40% of non-medical posts are RAF related. Furthermore, RAF children make up a significant proportion of local school roles - the figure at Kinloss Primary alone is 80%. 

Around 3-5% of RAF housing stock finds its way onto the local market each year, providing local people with well maintained, reliable homes.

With a combined budget of around £184,000 for locally delivered training, RAF personnel make up a large proportion of the student numbers, particularly on part-time courses at Moray College - part of the UHI Millennium Institute.

The report also found that as well as raising money each year for local charities - more than £200,000 in the last two years - the bases between them operate 332 self-funding sporting, social and community groups - some of which are open to the public.

Douglas Yule, chief executive of MBSE said: "This report will help us develop strategies and make decisions about the economic development of the area in the future. We will make the report available to others like the Moray Council as well, so that they too can be better informed about this key player in the Moray community."

Group Captain Hillier of RAF Lossiemouth said:  "At RAF Lossiemouth we are exceptionally keen to be full and active members of the community in Moray. We are therefore pleased that today's report by Highlands and Islands Enterprise highlights the many very positive benefits to Moray from the Station and confirms the high and constantly increasing economic contribution which the Royal Air Force makes."

Group Captain Porter of RAF Kinloss added:  "I welcome this report, which clearly explains where the RAF fits into the local economic and social structure. Now that Kinloss is the only maritime Nimrod base, our personnel are increasingly making their homes in Moray. I expect our contribution in expenditure as well as those settling in the area, will continue to grow."