The Scottish Secretary of State has met council representatives from Moray in a bid to get a clearer picture of the future of the two RAF bases in the area.

An "overwhelming strategic and economic case" for the retention of two RAF bases was made to Micheal Moore, ahead of the conclusion of the UK Government`s strategic defence and security review.

There are fears that the defence spending review could lead to cuts at the bases, threatening their future, and Defence Secretary Liam Fox will make an announcement in the last week of October.

A recent study found RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss account for 16% of full-time employment in Moray, with staff and their families making up around 7% of the total population.

Developmentagency Highlandsand Islands Enterprise (HIE) put their estimated contribution to the local economy at £158m.

SNP Westminster leader and Moray MP Angus Robertson joined the delegation at the talks this afternoon.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Robertson, who is also SNP defence spokesperson, said: "The taskforce set out an overwhelming strategic and economic case for the bases, and I hope that the Secretary of State has been persuaded by the cross-party representations that have been very powerfully made.

"There is no doubt about the impact that any reduction in the defence footprint in Moray would have.

"RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth are crucial in both defence and security terms. They are also extremely important to the economy and social fabric of Moray and the north of Scotland.

"The economic impact, and the impact on local communities, cannot be separated from the decisions which need to be made within the strategic defence review."

Mr Robertson said that the RAF forms an "integral part" of Moray life. He said that the bases support 5,710 jobs across the community and bring in almost £160 million in wages.

The taskforce included Moray Council depute convener Allan Wright (Conservative), and opposition group leaders Pearl Paul (SNP) and John Divers (Labour), as well as Moray Council chief executive Alastair Keddie and Highlands and Islands Enterprise Moray area manager Calum MacPherson..