Moray is proud to host two large and growing Military bases with RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks calling the region home. Between those who are currently serving, their families and those veterans who have decided to settle in this beautiful part of the world, the Armed Forces community are a welcome and fully integrated part of wider Moray life.
RAF Lossiemouth, home to the UKs maritime patrol capability and Quick Reaction Alert (North) is operational 24/7 Securing the skies and protecting the seas around the UK and further afield. Already one of the largest and busiest multi-aircraft type stations in the Royal Air Force, it continues to grow and is benefitting from a £360 million development programme which will see it evolve into one of the most cutting-edge military bases in the United Kingdom. With four front line operational Typhoon Squadrons and a newly completed P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft fleet, the base has never been busier and has just welcomde the arrival of the new E7 Wedgetail aircraft, the UKs airborne early warning and radar system, when it enters service.
Kinloss Barracks is home to 39 Engineer Regiment, the largest Regiment in the Field Army. The Royal Engineers arrived in Kinloss in 2012.
The Regiment provides engineering support to Defence globally but also supports operations in the UK in times of need. The Regiment can support ground and air-based entry into new areas of operational activity, including the repair and upkeep of ports, airfields, railways, routes, as well as the provision and maintenance of infrastructure to sustain troops while deployed. Our Sappers are multi-skilled and are all combat engineers as well as trades people making them a versatile, flexible and highly employable asset.
Additionally, with the specialised capabilities provided by our boats and dive team, we can carry out underwater tasks such as reconnaissance, demolition, construction and concreting.
All in the Armed Forces are guaranteed a warm welcome in Moray with several useful websites and online tools to help members of the Armed Forces community navigate the area.
A dedicated website that supports all members whether they are regular, reserve or ex-service and their families under the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. It provides a source of information in one place to help our Armed Forces community whether they are moving here for the first time or are already settled in the area.
A newly developed website from RAF Lossiemouth that offers those considering a posting to the region an insight into what life in Moray is all about. With an interactive map and videos discussing all the key decision-making factors in any move such as housing, schools and social life, this website is designed to make the move to Moray that little bit easier. Although targeted at RAF personnel and families, the local information is relevant to all in the Armed Forces.
Forces Families Job is a one-stop platform for training, employment and volunteering opportunities for the Armed Forces community. Many Moray employers advertise their vacancies here and are actively keen to recruit members of the Armed Forces community to their workplaces as the skills and experiences they bring are valued.
There are strong ties between service personnel and their families and the wider community in Moray. There is a lot of support for families relocating to Moray including finding housing, schools and jobs for partners and spouses of armed forces personnel.
The quality of life experienced when serving in Moray means many Armed Forces families chose to never leave. After all, where else in the UK can you go for a swim before work or hit the slopes on your lunch break?
Those that stay play a key role in the wider community and make a significant contribution to Moray’s local economy.
Several successful local businesses are the product of ex-armed forces personnel such as Copernicus Technology and Windswept Brewery.
Each council has an Armed Forces Covenant Group which meet twice a year to identify and discuss matters relevant to the community. They are chaired by an elected councillor who is your local authority Armed Forces Champion, and membership is made up of representatives from:
The role of the local authority Armed Forces Champion is to ensure that the authority achieves its commitments to the Armed Forces community and resolves any issues.
