The beginning of the end of RAF Leuchars brought mixed emotions to Fife as some wept for the departure of a squadron and others celebrated the approach of an exciting new dawn.
Dozens of air enthusiasts gathered in a field overlooking the Leuchars runway to watch as nine aircraft from 6 Squadronperformed an east to west flypast in aspectacular number six-shaped formation on Friday.
Scores of Leuchars staff also turned out on the base to watch the planes fly past at precisely 12.26pm.
Just 35 minutes later, the same aircraft were given a heroes’ welcome as they touched down at their new home at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
The official transfer of 6 Squadron and her 500 personnel to Moray is the first significant move ahead of RAF Leuchars being closed and handed over to the army next year.
The second RAF Leuchars Typhoon squadron, 1 (F) Squadron, is scheduled to transfer to Lossiemouth in the autumn, ending a permanent fast jet presence in Fife dating back decades.
One woman struggling to contain her emotions was Gill Howie of Arbroath-based Squadron Prints.
She told The Courier: “I feel sad it is the beginning of the end for this station.
“I have seen a number of squadronscome and go and all equally as proud as today.
“Thankfully this was not a disbandment and although 6 Squadron have gone from RAF Leuchars we will still see them in our skies.”
Preparations for the move have been under way for some time.
Three RAF Typhoons from 6 Squadron took part in Exercise Moray Venture atRAF Lossiemouth in March to helpprepare them for the transfer.