7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Banff Heritage Center Features Original B-17 Control Tower and Monthly Flight Demonstrations

For aviation history buffs journeying through Scotland, the RAF Banff Heritage Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. This site boasts an original B-17 control tower – a rare find indeed, and not even in the best shape. The center tries to keep alive the memory of RAF Banff's wartime service with historical exhibits, though the depth and breadth of these displays could be expanded. A highlight for many visitors will undoubtedly be the monthly flight demonstrations. While these events do offer a chance to see vintage aircraft in action, the exact types and frequency can sometimes be a bit of a lottery depending on availability and weather conditions. The center is open most days, but the somewhat limited opening hours might require careful planning for those on a tight schedule. It is not entirely clear if the B-17 control tower is accessible or not. It seems unlikely, but I am not sure. Constructed on land with a long history, RAF Banff had a relatively short operational life, primarily serving as a training base. Its three runways and numerous hangars once bustled with activity, but today the site tells a different story. While the transformation of part of the old airfield into a wind farm might raise an eyebrow, it's a sign of the times, I suppose. Aviation enthusiasts will still find traces of the past here, and a nearby private airstrip ensures that the skies above Banff haven't completely fallen silent. It's a mixed bag, but for those with a keen interest in World War II aviation and the evolution of airfields, RAF Banff offers an interesting, albeit somewhat understated, experience.

RAF Banff, now a heritage center, provides a fascinating look into wartime aviation. Constructed in mid-1942 on land long held by the Earls of Seafield, the base became operational in April 1943. It primarily served as an airfield for No. 14 Pilots Advanced Flying Unit until August 1944 and remained in use until 1946.

During its operational period, RAF Banff featured three runways arranged in a triangular pattern, typical of the time, each about 46 meters wide and surfaced with asphalt. This layout would have been suitable to allow various aircraft, including potentially B-17s from Coastal Command, to operate effectively. The base also had thirteen blister hangars. This feels a bit lacking for a major operational airfield.

The mention of B-17s here, however, feels a bit tenuous. While 220 Squadron RAF Coastal Command did operate the type as maritime patrol aircraft after 1941, the role of Banff appears to have been primarily training. B-17's were never stationed there in any significant numbers as far as I can tell.

Interestingly, the airfield's operational control fell under No. 18 Group in 1944. Later, the Banff Flying Club used the site until the early 1980s, preserving some aviation activity. Today, the original site is part of a wind farm, a nod to changing times, while a nearby private airstrip continues to facilitate flying activities.

The heritage center is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday, offering a glimpse into this piece of history. While the connection to B-17s might be a bit overstated, the center itself seems to offer a decent representation of a wartime airfield, with the original control tower still standing. Whether it's worth a special trip is debatable, but for those in the area with an interest in aviation history, it might be a worthwhile stop. The advertised monthly flight demonstrations certainly sound exciting.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Prestwick Now Serves as Aviation Museum with Restored B-17G Memphis Belle II

RAF Prestwick, once a Royal Air Force station near Glasgow Prestwick Airport, has a new lease on life. It is now home to an aviation museum, a fitting evolution given the site's history. The star attraction is undoubtedly the restored B-17G, named Memphis Belle II. This is a big deal, considering the dwindling number of surviving B-17s worldwide. Only 39 remain in the United States, with a mere 15 still airworthy. The fact that this iconic bomber, a symbol of US air power in World War II, is now on display in Scotland is quite a coup for the museum. It certainly adds another layer to Scotland's growing reputation as a destination for aviation tourism. But how accessible and well-maintained this exhibit truly is remains to be seen. The museum also nods to RAF Prestwick's past, including its Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre military unit. While this aspect might interest hardcore aviation buffs, it probably won't be the main draw for most. Still, the transformation of RAF Prestwick into a museum feels appropriate, given the B-17's historical significance and the site's own place in military aviation. It's worth noting that many retired B-17s found new lives post-war, some even ending up in films, which helped ensure their survival as cultural artifacts. RAF Prestwick's new role seems to follow in that tradition, preserving a piece of aviation history for future generations. Whether this new venture lives up to its potential remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another interesting stop for those exploring Scotland's wartime past.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Stornoway Transforms Former Airstrip into Commercial Airport with WW2 Exhibits

RAF Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis has undergone a significant transformation. What was once a Royal Air Force base, operating from 1940 to 1945, and later reactivated during the Cold War, is now a bustling commercial hub known as Stornoway Airport. While it primarily caters to domestic flights today, the airport retains echoes of its wartime past. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail its history, including its role as a Coastal Command airfield and its encounters with U-boats during World War II. The airport, designated by the IATA code SYY, has seen substantial upgrades, particularly in the 1980s, with extended runways, new hangars, and improved facilities. It even serves as a base for search and rescue operations, a service established in 1987. Managed by Highland and Islands Airports Ltd, Stornoway Airport is more than just a transit point; it's a site where aviation history and modern air travel converge. It is interesting how things change and evolve. However, it makes one wonder if these exhibits adequately capture the full scope of RAF Stornoway's wartime contributions or if they are merely a footnote to the airport's commercial operations. Regardless, the transformation of RAF Stornoway into a civilian airport is a noteworthy example of how former military installations can find new purpose in the modern era. It certainly adds another dimension to Scotland's aviation landscape, though whether it becomes a major draw for aviation tourism remains to be seen.

RAF Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, presents a curious case of a wartime airfield finding new purpose. Constructed in 1941, this Royal Air Force station was initially a key player in Coastal Command's efforts, with units like 48 Squadron flying patrols from its runways. The facility was even reactivated in the 1980s during the Cold War, serving as a NATO Forward Operating Base, which seems a bit excessive. Now, it's known as Stornoway Airport, handling civilian domestic flights, designated by the IATA code SYY and the ICAO code EGPO. It's interesting to note the substantial upgrades made in the early 1980s, with runway and taxiway extensions, new hangars, even search and rescue operations taken over by Bristow Helicopters since 1987. I wonder about the efficiency of those upgrades though, given the remote location. The place has always been a bit of a white elephant from my observations. One of 11 Scottish airports managed by Highland and Islands Airports Ltd, Stornoway Airport has apparently integrated World War II exhibits into its now-commercial terminal. This blend of a working airport with historical displays is becoming more common, and it raises questions about how effectively these two functions can coexist. I imagine there are compromises. Is the historical narrative watered down for the sake of smooth passenger flow? And what about the balance between preserving the past and meeting the demands of modern air travel? Does that work here or is just a marketing trick? While the transformation of RAF Stornoway offers a tangible link to its past, it's worth considering whether this repurposing truly honors the site's historical significance or simply capitalizes on it for tourism. After all it is just a remote outpost. It's a complex issue, and one that engineers and historians alike might find worth investigating. The presence of an operational airport alongside historical artifacts certainly makes for a unique, albeit potentially conflicted, experience.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Tain Offers Guided Bunker Tours and Annual Flying Fortress Festival

RAF Tain, situated northeast of the town of Tain in Scotland, has opened its doors to the public in a somewhat unexpected way. The airfield, which first saw operations in September 1941 and was a hub of activity during World War II, particularly for anti-submarine efforts in the summer of 1944, is now trying to become a destination for aviation enthusiasts. What's on offer? Guided tours of old bunkers and an annual 'Flying Fortress Festival'. This certainly seems to tap into the growing interest in aviation tourism, but I wonder how well it's executed. The airfield was originally shared between the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm, and even the United States Army Air Forces, with flying activities continuing until the 1960s. Now, it's trying to capitalize on that history. They are highlighting the B-17 Flying Fortresses, specifically mentioning the Mk I and Mk II variants used for maritime and meteorological reconnaissance missions. Apparently, the RAF had their own designation, the Fortress Mk IIA, initially for some B-17C aircraft and later for upgraded B-17F models. Interesting tidbit, but does it truly resonate with the average visitor? The airfield's history actually stretches back to World War I when it was used as a weapons range, a role it apparently continues to serve to some extent. That part doesn't sound particularly tourist-friendly. While the original airfield is no longer operational, its remnants still exist within the boundaries of what's now called RAF Tain. This might be a draw for some, exploring a site with a commanding position along the shores of the Dornoch Firth, a location chosen for its strategic value in the 1940s. The whole thing feels a bit cobbled together, a mix of historical significance and a clear desire to attract tourists. Can they pull it off? And is the annual 'Flying Fortress Festival' a genuine celebration of aviation history or just a marketing gimmick? It is also not entirely clear if these B17's were ever stationed there on a permantent basis. It's hard to say. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress itself was a big deal, a heavy bomber developed for the USAAC in the 1930s that played a crucial role in aerial operations during the war. But how well does RAF Tain convey that significance? Scotland has several of these historic RAF bases that once housed B-17s, and many are vying for the attention of aviation enthusiasts. It remains to be seen whether RAF Tain can truly stand out in this increasingly crowded field.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Dallachy Wings Now Houses Aviation-Themed Hotel in Original Officers Quarters

RAF Dallachy, once a crucial Royal Air Force satellite station located east of Elgin, Moray, Scotland, has been reborn. Forget runways and roaring engines; the site now boasts an aviation-themed hotel, cleverly housed within the original officers' quarters. This former base, opened in March 1943, played a significant role in World War II, initially training pilots with Airspeed Oxfords and later operating as a fighter station under RAF Coastal Command. Now, it's found a new mission catering to aviation enthusiasts. The transformation is certainly intriguing. Instead of training flights, guests can now enjoy a unique stay, steeped in history. The remnants of the old operations block and control tower still stand, silent witnesses to the base's wartime activities. While most original buildings have been cleared, the historical footprint remains. It's a clever move, capitalizing on the growing interest in aviation tourism, but it also raises questions. Does this repurposing truly honor the site's historical significance, particularly the heavy losses suffered by its strike wing? A memorial near Bogmoor commemorates the fallen, a somber reminder of the base's wartime role. Can a hotel stay truly capture that gravity? Or is this simply another example of history being repackaged for consumption? While RAF Dallachy's new venture adds to Scotland's growing reputation as a destination for aviation tourism, it's worth considering whether this transformation serves the memory of those who served there or merely exploits it. Only time will tell if this new chapter in Dallachy's story strikes the right balance between preservation and commercialization.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Peterhead Showcases Recovered B-17 Parts in New Interactive Museum

RAF Peterhead is now home to a new interactive museum, a significant addition for anyone interested in aviation history. This museum focuses on recovered parts from B-17 Flying Fortresses, offering a hands-on experience with pieces of these iconic aircraft. During World War II, RAF Peterhead served as an important base for pilots who trained and flew missions from there. This new museum seems like a genuine effort to connect visitors to that era, showcasing the B-17's role in the war. It's noteworthy that so few B-17s survive today, making any effort to preserve their history valuable. This development certainly adds to Scotland's appeal for those interested in military aviation. Whether the museum truly captures the full story of the B-17 and its impact, however, remains to be seen. It will be interesting to see how they present this history and if they can offer a comprehensive look at the aircraft's service.

RAF Peterhead, a name that might not ring a bell for many, is making an effort to change that. This former Royal Air Force station, operational from 1941 to 1945 and again briefly in the 1950s, is now home to a new interactive museum. The focus? Recovered parts of the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress. It is interesting, considering the scarcity of complete B-17s today. We're talking about maybe 39 left globally, with a mere 15 airworthy, mostly stateside. This place was a big deal during the war, a strategic hub for anti-submarine warfare, with units like No. 502 Squadron RAF operating from its three runways. Now, they are trying to capitalize on that history, particularly the B-17 connection. They've got parts of the fuselage, showcasing the aircraft's aluminum alloy skin - innovative for its time, balancing lightness with the strength needed for high-altitude operations. Makes you appreciate the engineering behind these warbirds. But let's be honest, showcasing recovered parts is not the same as having a fully restored B-17. It is a start, I suppose. The museum is betting on interactive technology, like augmented reality, to bring these remnants to life. Will it be enough to draw crowds? The challenge of preserving these old parts is real - oxidation, structural integrity, it's a constant battle. One wonders about the long-term viability of such an exhibit. They're trying to make it about more than just metal, weaving in stories of the crews who flew these behemoths. The human element is crucial, but will it be overshadowed by the allure of the machinery? And then there's the local angle, the hope that this museum will boost tourism. It is a common narrative, turning old military bases into attractions. Can RAF Peterhead succeed where others have struggled? They're talking about future expansions, maybe even full aircraft exhibits. Ambitious, but is it realistic? RAF Peterhead is one of several historic RAF bases in Scotland that once had ties to B-17s, all vying for a piece of the aviation tourism pie. It remains to be seen if this new museum, with its focus on recovered parts and interactive displays, can truly stand out and secure a place on the map. It might work, but it is too early to say for sure.

7 Historical RAF Bases That Once Housed B-17 Flying Fortresses - Now Popular Aviation Tourism Sites in Scotland - RAF Kirkwall Base Buildings Turned into Aviation Historical Park with Flight Simulator

RAF Kirkwall, once known as RAF Grimsetter, has certainly seen a change of scenery. Built in 1940 on the Orkney Islands to defend the Scapa Flow naval base, this former Royal Air Force station is now trying its hand at being an aviation historical park. It's an interesting move, turning old military buildings into tourist attractions, complete with a flight simulator. You can wander around structures that date back to its RAF days, although much of the site has been redeveloped for modern airport use. Makes sense, given that it was converted to a civil airport in 1948 and continues to operate as Kirkwall Airport under Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. The old Operations Block is still there, though its future seems uncertain. And they've got a flight simulator now, using the EGPA Kirkwall Airport designation, which I suppose is a draw for some. It's all a bit curious, blending the past with the present in this way. On the one hand, you've got this historical site, designated with the IATA code KOI, that played a role in defending naval bases and served as a satellite airfield for fighter and coastal operations. On the other hand, it's now a modern airport with remnants of its past scattered about, like small buildings and air raid shelters. It's certainly become a talking point for those interested in aviation tourism. But does this transformation into a historical park truly honor the site's legacy? Or is it just another example of repurposing old military installations for tourism, a trend we're seeing across Scotland? It's hard to say how effectively they're balancing historical preservation with the demands of a modern airport and the desire to attract visitors. It definitely makes you wonder what the original RAF personnel would think of it all.