Maurice Leeke

Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Waterbeach Learn more

Impressions of Kinloss

by Maurice Leeke on 21 July, 2012

With many local families moving over the summer to Kinloss I decided to go there myself to see what they can expect when they get there.

I was really quite impressed.

Kinloss itself is a small village with a RAF base (soon to be home to the 39 Engineers).  It is about three miles from the centre of the town of Forres and about two miles from miles of sandy beach.

Sandy beach near Kinloss

Miles of sandy beach

Some of the married quarters are inside the perimeter fence of the base with the remainder outside it.  They both looked well maintained and quite attractive.
Just opposite the main gate there is an indoor swimming pool, the school is just a bit further along the road and there is a Spar shop, an inn and a petrol station within a quarter of a mile in one direction and a golf club in the other direction.

Kinloss (North) Primary School

Kinloss (North) Primary School

Forres is a medium-sized town with the shops and businesses you would expect, including a Tesco Superstore just off the main road, and a railway station on the main line from Inverness to Aberdeen.  They are obviously very proud of their repeated successes in the Scotland in Bloom competition and their floral gardens clearly show that they were worthy of their prizes.  There appear to be job opportunities in the town and on the industrial estate near the railway station.  It has a long history, with relics going back to Pictish times and a Highland League football team, Forres Mechanics.

Kinloss Swimming Pool

Kinloss Swimming Pool

For those interested in more serious retail therapy Inverness, about 28 miles from Kinloss, is the nearest city and has all the shops, facilities and distractions that you would expect from “The Capital of the Highlands”.

Kinloss Country Golf Club: Pay and Play Golf from £15; Membership Available

Kinloss Country Golf Club

As well as the beach, swimming and golf already mentioned, Kinloss is well placed for winter sports with easy access to Aviemore and Lecht for skiing, for water sports on the sea or along the Spey valley, and for mountain walking and climbing in the Cairngorms.  The opportunities for sea or fly fishing are abundant.

Kinloss is undeniably a long way from Waterbeach and most of the other familiar postings, but, in addition to the road and rail connections, Inverness airport is about 20 miles from Kinloss, and has connections to many British and some European destinations.

The Kinloss village sign

Kinloss Village

I do not know what it is like to live and work in the area but all the people I met were very friendly and I thought that Kinloss and its surroundings has a great deal to offer.

I am sure that we all offer the families that are moving there the our very best wishes.

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