AN investigation has been launched after radioactive contamination was detected at RAF Kinloss in Moray.

The site is now one of nine locations across Scotland being analysed as part of a probe into radioactive contamination.

Environmental reports, known as Land Quality Assessments, prepared for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) show the authorities have been aware of "potential human health and environmental risks" at Kinloss since at least 2004.

The files also raise fears the contamination could stretch beyond the base to land previously sold off.

It is understood the Kinloss contamination is linked to "glow in the dark" paint used in aircraft from the Second World War

It is believed that more than 1000 aircraft were dismantled at Kinloss after the war and instruments coated in paint containing radium were burned and buried at the base.

The Scottish Government is to write to the Defence Secretary, Phillip Hammond, calling for the "full disclosure" of records relating to radiological contamination at Kinloss.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has already threatened to designate Dalgety Bay in Fife as radioactive contaminated land.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Richard Lochhead, said he was "deeply concerned" by the reports the MoD may have sold contaminated land to communities around RAF Kinloss.

He said: "I understand the MoD is conducting investigations into possible contamination at the site.

"The Secretary of State for Defence must ensure that this work is comprehensive, trans-parent and completed as soon as practically possible.

"Should the presence of radioactive contamination be confirmed I will press the MoD to work with Sepa and start remediation work as a matter of urgency.

"It is imperative the MoD does all it can to reassure the public in Moray and across the rest of Scotland that any further relevant information will be disclosed in full."

Investigations have also taken place into contamination at RAF Machrihanish in Argyll, RM Condor near Arbroath, the former Defence Aviation Repair Agency site in Almondbank, near Perth, and at Stirling Forthside. Three more site locations have not been disclosed by Sepa.

A spokesman for the MoD said: "The MoD is committed to assessing land quality across the entire defence estate. This robust, proactive programme ensures the land is suitable for use and will not cause harm to people or the environment.

"RAF Kinloss is considered suitable for its current use."