Frequently Asked Questions About RAF Lossiemouth
#TeamLossie have answered some of the most common questions about working and living in Lossiemouth!
Is Lossie Isolated?
Before moving from Canada, I was worried it might be but it absolutely isn’t! It’s got all you need on your doorstep – great shopping facilities and loads of activities to keep you entertained plus Inverness and Aberdeen on your doorstep for city life and connecting flights to the rest of the UK. If you enjoy a scenic drive, the A9 route up the Scottish Highland is stunning.
Flt Lt Sam Cooper, Logs Officer
Is there stuff for my kids to do?
Loads and loads! The local area is crammed with uniformed sporting and activity-based clubs, plus there is Airplay Lossie! We open four nights a week for youth club and two after-school RAFBF sessions and are never quite… well except from when we persuade the little guys to play ‘sleeping lions’!
Karen Forbes – Airplay Station Youth Worker
Isn’t the schooling system different?
We moved from Wiltshire in the middle of the school year and I was worried about the differences we might face. The new school was really experienced in dealing with Service families and they quickly worked out how best to support my son. He settled well and has done really well in all of his studies.
Sqn Ldr Janet Logan Reserves Coordination Officer
Won’t I pay more Income Tax in Scotland?
Yes, Income tax is different in Scotland but the MOD have provided a mitigation in previous years so no-one assigned to Lossie pays more and is disadvantaged.
Sarah Riley-Evans, Armed Forces Covenant Champion
What about childcare?
Harley has loved every second of her time at the RAF Lossiemouth Childcare Centre. From a boisterous one year in full time childcare to the very mature, soon to be eight year old at the before and after school club, she has thrived at every stage and the support we have had from the centre, especially when I deployed was amazing. Demand for places is really high so get your name down early on the waiting list but we have just got a £1M extension built to create new places.
Cpl Trish James RAF Photographer
Are the Armed Forces welcome in the area?
Absolutely!!!! The members of the Armed Forces and their families do so much to contribute to the rich and vibrant community spirit. in Lossiemouth. They help bring a diversity to our community that helps make Lossiemouth such a unique and special place.
Kristi Lunt, Lossiemouth Community Council
What about jobs for my partner?
When we first heard about moving to Lossie I initially felt overwhelmed. I am a dental nurse and wasn’t sure how my skills would translate, but there are loads of opportunities within Lossie and the surrounding area. Sometimes you just have to be prepared to travel a little bit more suited role.
Amelia Harmse – Military Spouse
Isn’t the NHS different in Scotland?
Yes – health care is devolved to Scottish Government but we are fully committed to the Covenant and you shouldn’t experience any disadvantage moving to Moray. I work closely with RAF Lossiemouth and in my main role as General Manager for Dr Grays Hospital in Elgin, I am keen to encourage RAF partners who perhaps didn’t think they could get a job up here to think again! We need your skills and you will have a warm welcome.
Alaisdar Pattinson – NHS Grampian Covenant Champion
Welcome to Scotland: A Guide for Service Personnel and their Families
The Scottish Government has produced a dedicated guide for Service Personnel and their families containing key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland. Read it here
