Thanks for all the contributions. In between the soul searching, blame and general re-run of last Thurday's events some replies actually discussed the issues I raised. I suppose the former is only to be expected and certainly every crew room I've been in since Friday is a lot more politically charged than ever before.
With respect to basing options either:
The MoD will continue with Lossie hoping that the investment will be yet another reason for Wee Jimmy Crankie to fail in her latest attempt to break up the UK
Or it will not call her bluff and risk having to move the infrastructure down south in a couple of years and so opt for a less risky option (Waddo)
The lack of tangible P8 prep (sim building, Sqn accom, etc) is somewhat worrying and gives raise to doubt that the Govt is fully committed.