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Rocket range to continue beyond guaranteed five years 31/8/11
The Coalition Government has given the strongest possible hint that the reprieved South Uist rocket range will not come under threat for the rest of the decade.
Defence support minister Peter Lluff made it clear that he expects it to survive beyond a guaranteed period to 2016. It is the largest missile range in the UK and run by Qinetiq on behalf of the MoD.
He stressed that Britain “really needs" the weapons testing base and recognised its crucial importance to the islands’ fragile economy.
It was feared that previous downgrading plans could be dusted down particularly as military budgets are under pressure to make dramatic savings.
Last year a hard fought campaign by a task group launched by Western Isles Council forced the outgoing Labour government to ditch planned cuts and save 180 jobs.
The effect would have devastated local economy, result in relatively large job losses and lead to depopulation warned the task group.
Mr Luff confirmed the Hebrides range will continue for at least the next five years and probably more. It will be modernised to ensure its vital military role and continues to support to troops on operations.
He told Hebrides News stressed: “We’re guaranteeing it for five years but my expectations is the range will have a very long and important future.”
He added: “It would be good to give a longer commitment (but) our aspirations are that this range will have a much longer future than that. We would not be making this investment in it now if we did not believe it has a long term future.”
Mr Fluff highlighted Britain “really needs” the base because of its vital role in the nation’s defences.”
He said: “This range plays a huge part in Britain’s defences and I can see for myself to understand were investment is needed. The commitment of the workforce and the quality of their work has been a revelation.”
Peter Luff is consulting with people who work at the range and representatives of the local community to discuss the way forward for the upgrade investment.
Benbecula businessman Ruaraidh MacGillivray says the confirmation of securing the range for the immediate future is very welcomed because it “means jobs and families staying on the islands.”
Mr MacGillivary, who employs around 20 people between Uist and Stornoway, points out a longer commitment would result in local businesses ploughing their own cash into expansion.
He highlighted: “Then companies like ourselves would look ahead and invest in jobs and services.”
He says the range is vital for the sustainability of the Uists.
He said when the base was under threat, a number of islanders were looking to relocate to the mainland but the reprieve meant they were now building homes and raising families on Uist.