Organisers of Scotland’s biggest military air show are pressing ahead with plans for this year’s event, despite the threat hanging over its venue.
September 10 has been announced as the date for RAF Leuchars Air Show 2011, and arrangements are being made to bring aircraft from around the world.
The future of the base is in question as the government’s defence review investigates options for cutbacks, with Leuchars among the facilities rumoured to be in the firing line.
However, the tens of thousands of fans of the flight extravaganza which has been staged since 1945 will be delighted to hear it is business as usual for the team behind it.
A spokeswoman for the show told The Courier, “We are carrying on as normal and planning the show until such time we are told any different.”
Upwards of 50,000 people attend the show each year the second-largest non-sporting event in Scotland providing a significant boost to the local economy.
It is early days in this year’s planning, with most of the flying displays yet to be confirmed. However, favourites such as the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which displays the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane, are expected to be on the bill.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, which officially takes over the station’s primary quick reaction alert role from the Tornado F3 at the end of this month, is likely to be put through its paces to show the crowd its capabilities.
Aviation at Leuchars began in 1911 when a balloon squadron of the Royal Engineers set up a training camp in Tentsmuir Forest. They were soon followed by the aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps, with work on levelling the site of RAF Leuchars at Reres Farm beginning in 1916.
Announcement of the air show date prompted excitement on RAF Leuchars’ Facebook page.
One commenter, John-Robert Copeland, wrote, “Can’t wait for the show this year. Hope the defence cuts don’t hamper a brilliant show.”
Robert Dunn posted, “It’s the one thing I look forward to religiously every year last year was phenomenal.”
It is hoped tickets for the show will go on sale soon.
RAF Leuchars Airshow 2009 Intro from raydvd on Vimeo.