IT was not just at the RAF bases at Lossiemouth and Kinloss the details of yesterday's defence cuts were nervously awaited.

It was all across Moray, in the shops, pubs, filling stations and in almost every home.

Since both stations were built as war loomed in 1938, links with them have been woven into every community on the Moray Firth.

The whole nation has depended on the airmen for protection for more than half a century but in Moray they are vital for the survival not only of businesses but also services.

Research has shown the bases, which employ 4274 service personnel and a further 740 civilians, generate more than (pounds) 93m each year for the area's economy. But their effect stretches well beyond the financial contribution.

At Seaview filling station near the gates of RAF Kinloss, proprietor Elaine Gitten said: ''These cuts could be the final nail in the coffin of businesses like mine.

''Small businesses in places like Kinloss and Lossiemouth are suffering because of supermarkets. We cannot afford to lose one customer, never mind hundreds. A big percentage are from the base and we are struggling as it is.''

One estimate suggests more than two-thirds of carers in the area are the partners of RAF personnel. At Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, 5% of the nursing staff and up to 40% of non-medical posts are air force-related.

RAF children make up a significant proportion of local school rolls. If RAF Kinloss closed, four out of every five pupils at the local primary would go.

Every year, almost 100 people leave the bases and settle locally. With a combined budget for locally delivered training approaching (pounds) 200,000, RAF personnel are crucial for Moray College - part of the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, where they make up a significant proportion of the students, particularly on part-time courses.

The loss of five Nimrod aircraft as the new model is introduced will mean the loss of more than 100 crew, plus associated maintenance and support staff at Kinloss. The total is expected to be more than 200. Their partners will also depart leaving vacancies in vital jobs.

Catherine Morrison, land-lady of the Abbey Inn in Kinloss for the past year, said without air force personnel at the weekends the business was unlikely to be viable.

''We are jumping at the weekends and it is predominantly with people from the RAF. We couldn't do without them because it is a small village and we couldn't survive with just the regulars.

Pearl Hamilton has run her pet care shop for 22 years. She said: ''This could be devastating. A lot of our customers, even if they are not working behind the wires, depend on the base for their livelihood.

''I don't know if any of us realise just how far-reaching the impact of these cuts will be. People's shopping methods are changing and this is another blow for small, independent shops like ourselves.''

Local politicians used a range of adjectives to describe the news, from disgusting to devastating.

Margaret Ewing, Moray SNP MSP, said: ''I am disgusted at this announcement by the defence minister which is nothing short of a disaster for Moray.''

Joyce Stewart, SNP councillor for Lossiemouth West, said: ''I am deeply shocked by

this announcement. The MoD decision also badly affects the civilian population working on the base and the local businesses that rely on RAF Lossie-mouth for a significant part of their income.

''The government has destroyed our fishing industry, put strip stamps on our whisky and now they are threatening our RAF bases. What more do they want from Moray?''