The future of Leuchars air show has been thrown into fresh doubt after the UK Government revealed this year’s spectacular may have been the last.
The crushing announcement by Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey came despite the RAF’s top officer last month guaranteeing the future of the annual event for at least three years.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton had said the air show would continue at Leuchars while plans were made to transfer the base from the RAF to the army.
But Mr Harvey, a Liberal Democrat MP, insisted that this could not be taken for granted.
In a letter to North East Fife MSP Rod Campbell, seen by The Courier, he said: “Plans for the transfer of the station to the army are at an early stage and as yet there has been no major discussion on the future of the air show as part of the overall plan for RAF Leuchars.
“Unfortunately, at this stage I cannot tell you what will happen beyond this year’s show.”
The shock development is the latest blow for the Fife air base and could have a significant impact on the local economy.
It will also be seen as particularly embarrassing for the Coalition Government, as Scottish Secretary Michael Moore had previously welcomed the fact the air show would continue at Leuchars.
“I’m pleased that we will see the air show continue over the next few years, and that it will continue to draw people from all over Scotland to see the best of British aviation on display,” he said last month.
The uncertainty will also heighten unhappiness in Fife at the way the situation at Leuchars is being handled.
Mr Campbell branded the situation “a complete shambles”.
“The UK Government’s position on the future of the Leuchars air show should be clear cut and consistent but instead we have a muddle of conflicting messages,” he said.
“The air show is worth over £350,000 to the local economy every year, its significance is crucial to the future well-being of so many businesses in the area.
“The continued uncertainty over the future of the base is already causing great concern in the local community, the last thing we need now is that uncertainty being added to with the questions over the future of this much loved show.”
The air show attracts more than 50,000 people every year and is responsible for 22 jobs.