RAF Kinloss squadrons disbanded at final parade

The disbandment forms part of the UK government's defence review

The three flying squadrons at RAF Kinloss have been officially disbanded in a ceremony attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The disbandment parade took place at the station, following the decision to end the squadron operations under the UK government's defence review.

The airfield at the Moray base will cease to operate after 31 July.

The defence secretary has been accused of "crass insensitivity" for visiting RAF Lossiemouth but not RAF Kinloss.

Local SNP MP Angus Robertson said he was furious at what he branded a snub to Kinloss by Liam Fox. The two bases are 15 miles apart.

The government's decision to scrap the RAF's Nimrod reconnaissance fleet stripped RAF Kinloss of its main operational role.

The MoD has said the base at Kinloss remains a defence asset and could be used as a garrison by some of the ground troops being withdrawn from Germany.

However, its future, and that of RAF Lossiemouth, remains uncertain.

The reviewing officer at the disbandment parade was the Duke of Edinburgh, who is the Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Kinloss.

The parade was a private event for station personnel, their families and guests.

Personnel from RAF Kinloss have already taken part in a street parade in Forres on Tuesday.

The three Kinloss squadrons were Number 42 (Reserve) Sqn, CXX Sqn and 201 (Guernsey's Own) Sqn.