Machrihanish Airbase Community Company

On 11 August, the Scottish Government declared that there were problems with the recent MACC ballot and wrote to MACC setting out the issues. See the text of the letter for yourself in the Downloads section.

MACC is preparing a response to each of the Scottish Government's 6 points and expects to meet with MOD and Scottish Government officials in the near future to discuss the way forward.

Issue 1, July 2010, is out now! See MACC Newsletter online.

Following a successful application to Argyll & Bute Leader Fund, we have appointed DTZ as consultants to carry out our feasibility study and business plan. In partnership with WSP they will also carry out an appraisal of the liabilities. If the business plan shows that the airbase will be a viable proposition then the community will asked if they wish to support the buy-out.

The residents in South Kintyre (PA28 6 postcode area) have voted a massive "Yes" for the opportunity to buy Machrihanish Airbase for £1. On 25 May 2010, the results of the ballot were announced. Of the 5945 electors eligible to vote, 4007 did so, giving a remarkable 67.35% turnout:

• "YES" votes: 3903 (97.4%)
• "NO" votes: 96 (2.4%)
• Spoiled ballots: 8 (0.2%)
• Proxy votes: 0

An Open Forum was held on May 21st at 10am in the Burnet Building, Campbeltown with Alan Reid MP, Jamie McGrigor MSP, Cllr. Rory Colville, Cllr. Donald Kelly, and HIE to discuss the way forward regarding some of the liabilities and assets of the airbase. Jamie McGrigor has since written to Liam Fox to ask him to intervene regarding the liabilities, in particular the water and sewerage facilities. Alan Reid has also undertaken to support us in any way he can.

We need more than 50% of the electorate in the PA28 6 area to vote!

The DEADLINE is Monday 24th. May. You can post your ballot paper into a sealed Ballot Box in the Burnet Building, Campbeltown or in Jim Martin Supplies, Longrow, Campbeltown.

The bid to acquire Machrihanish Airbase for the community has reached a critical stage. This is a unique opportunity for the people of South Kintyre to secure an asset which will be an investment for the future and a means of bringing a wide range of benefits and opportunities to the community. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an enormous asset for the benefit of present and future generations. However, the support of the community of South Kintyre is a key element in the "Right to Buy" process.

1. A "yes" vote will allow MACC to consider a comprehensive business plan to decide if purchasing the airbase is a viable option.
2. All votes are important; a 50% turnout is required.
3. Machrihanish Airbase extends to 1,025 acres, contains 200+ buildings, leisure facilities, extensive catering facilities and one of the longest runways in Europe. Can we afford to lose it?
4. The airbase requires £990,000 of Captial Investment.
5. All contamination costs will be met by the MOD.

On Wednesday May 5th 7.30pm at the Arran Room at the Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown, Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) hosted a presentation by Alan Caldwell of DTAS on "The Comrie Development Trust's Successful Acquisition and Development of Cultybraggan". This was followed by a general discussion on the future of Machrihanish Airbase and the next steps for MACC.

MACC received the valuation on midday Wednesday 28th April. The airbase has been valued at £1.
The valuers report stated that in reaching the valuation " we have assumed a willing purchaser who has a longer term view for redevelopment and who is prepared to act conscientiously with regard to the existing obligations to third parties who rely upon services originating from this site, together with fulfilling all legal obligations."