RAF Leuchars’ Station Commander has said it will be a “great honour” for the base’s men and women to march through St Andrews for the final time.
On Saturday morning more than 250 serving personnel from RAF Leuchars will exercise their Freedom of St Andrews by parading proudly through the town.
With bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing, the occasion will celebrate nearly a century of RAF presence in Fife and is a testament to the close and enduring relationship between the station and its local community.
Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew, who is also Air Officer Scotland, said: “It will be a great honour for the men and women of RAF Leuchars to be able to march through the streets of St Andrews on Saturday.
“The station has been privileged to enjoy close links with our neighbours and the Freedom Parade is a chance to wholeheartedly thank the people of Fife and Tayside for nearly 100 years of their unwavering support.”
Standard bearers will march the freedom scroll alongside the Standards of 1(Fighter), 6 and 58 Squadrons, accompanied by the Royal Air Force Leuchars Pipes and Drums band and the band of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell.
The event will also mark the safe homecoming of 58 Squadron, RAF Regiment who returned last week from a seven-month tour in Afghanistan.
Officer Commanding 58 Squadron, Squadron Leader Anthony Hutchinson said: “58 Squadron’s association with St Andrews is truly an honour.
“We are delighted to be able to celebrate our return from a successful tour by marching through the town.”
The parade will leave St Salvator’s Quadrangle at 10.25am and, via St Andrews Cathedral, march to and along South Street to be dismissed at Madras College.