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Visit Report RAF Lossiemouth

Life IS different in Scotland!

RAF Lossiemouth recently played host to the RAF Families Federation. The Unit Liaison Visit provided an invaluable opportunity for RAF personnel and their families to meet Federation staff and to raise issues of concern with them.

One of the key points that personnel on the Station wanted to highlight to the Federation was that life is different in Scotland and that many of the policies issued by the RAF/ MoD/Westminster have a very different consequence for those personnel serving north of the border. Chris Taylor, the Federation’s Deputy Chairman said “Following this visit we will keep Scotland at the forefront of our minds whenever we are representing families’ views, when reviewing new policies or thinking about future Envoy magazine and website articles”.

As the RAF Families Federation is still in its first year of operation, the team was keen to meet with Serving personnel and their families to inform them of their role, their independence from the RAF and the unrivalled opportunity they have to represent the views of families to senior RAF staff and Ministers. They had the chance to do this during a comprehensive programme, coordinated by the Station Community Development Officer. The visit included meetings with the Station Commander and his Executives and a presentation to an audience of Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs. Informal briefings were also attended by members of the Mechanical Engineering Squadron and their families, family members in St Aiden’s Centre and representatives from 617 Squadron. A tour around the Service Family Accommodation estate proved to be an eye-opener and the Federation expressed a wish that all Service Family Housing could one day match the high standards set in this part of Scotland.

Other issues raised by personnel included problems gaining access to NHS dental facilities, the geographical distance between the Station and the rest of the UK (particularly when traveling on R&R), the status and recognition of partners and concerns regarding allowances. The Federation made a note of these concerns and asked families if they would also formally report their issues via the RAF FF website Click here

During the visit it was apparent that the increased operational tempo has had an impact on Service life, but the spirit and enthusiasm of personnel to get the job done shone through. The RAF Families Federation would like to thank the Station Commander and his team for arranging an extremely worthwhile and informative visit.

If we missed you during our visit, or you have an issue that you think we should know about, please take a look at our website or call us on (01780) 781650.

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