“The Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is a national (and I don’t just mean Scotland) treasure that tells a global story.” Ken Ellis, Editor, Flypast


1913-1914


1918

Stories unfold through our extensive collection of artefacts, pictures and memorabilia, from the very early period of manned flight when planes were quite literally kites, to the Home Front where rationing and gas masks were the norm, including eye witness accounts of the bombing raids on Montrose.

From the very early days of military aviation in Britain and in both world wars, the air station played a vital role in training pilots for the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. Many of those who passed through Montrose were ordinary people in extraordinary times from all walks of life and all nationalities.

Many were, or went on to make their mark as famous pilots, such as Major Burke, Flt Lt Richard Hillary, Peter Townsend and Squadron Leader 'Stapme’ Stapleton to name but a few.

The collection has been created through the efforts of the members, past and present whose passionate interest in local and aviation history has preserved the vital contribution made to the defence of this country for the benefit of the townspeople of Montrose and visitors to the town.

Training pilots was a hazardous occupation and many lost their lives and are buried in the cemeteries of Montrose. It is not surprising therefore that it is, possibly, the most haunted place in Britain. There have been many unexplained sightings of apparitions in pilots’ uniforms and phantom planes. One in particular being Lt Desmond Arthur, whose untimely death in 1913 is thought to have led to the first sightings of the mysterious Montrose Ghost.

Unique in Scotland is the opportunity for the public to see what a World War One aircraft looked like, with the Centre having a full size replica Sopwith Camel, famous as the aircraft that shot down 'The Red Baron'. Another unique item is a 1944 Hillman RAF Staff Car, one of only 3 wartime production cars on the road in Britain, the other 2 being in England. Newly arrived is a Meteor T7, and there is a display on War Dog Bamse in the 'Home Front' room. A new 'wartime house' has also been completed in the north end of the Centre. The Richard Moss Memorial Collection, formerly the Kirriemuir Aviation Museum, opened to the public in April 2009.

The Robertson Cross was unveiled on November 7 2009. This cross is an authentic relic of the battlefields of France.  It marked the grave of a British fighter pilot, killed in action and buried by his enemies. It is a unique and powerful symbol of remembrance and reconciliation.

Whatever your interest be it aviation, Britain at war, Radio and Communications, local history or ghosts, Montrose Air Station offers something for everyone and is the ideal venue for a family outing.